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BV  215  .B35  1838 

Barnes,  Albert,  1798-1870 

A  manual  of  prayer 


MANUAL  OF  PRAY 

DESIGNED  TO  (  QCT   2  0      ^-'33 

ASSIST  YOUNG  CHRIS'rb^4aM?^k§2i^ 


tN  LEARNING  THE 


SUBJECTS    AND  MODES  OF  DEVOTION. 


WITH    AN    INTRODUCTION 


BY  REV.  A.  BARNES. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

HENRY  PERKINS,   134  CHESTNUT  STREET. 
PERKINS  &  MARVIN,  BOSTON. 

1838. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1837,  by 
Henry  Perkins,  in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the 
Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 

I.  ASHMEAD  AND  CO.  PRINTERS. 


WILLIAM  B.  TAPPAN, 


TO    WHOSE    DEVOTIONAL    POETRY 


THE  CHURCH  OF  GOD 


HAS  BEEN  GREATLY  INDEBTED, 


AND  AT  WHOSE  KEaUEST 


THE    FOLLOWING   WORK    ON   PRAYE 


WAS  TJITDEBTAKEN  ; 


IT  IS  NOW  AFFECTIONATELY  INSCEIBED,  BY 


THE  AUTHOB. 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  following  work  on  Prayer  was  submitted  to 
me  in  manuscript  by  the  Author  for  my  perusal, 
before  it  was  committed  to  the  press.  It  may  be 
proper  to  slate  that  the  Author  is  a  layman,  and  that 
the  work  has  been  prepared  amidst  the  duties  of  a 
laborious  calling,  demanding  necessarily  nearly  the 
entire  hours  of  the  day.  This  work  has  been  writ- 
ten during  the  intervals  which  could  be  secured  from 
active  duties;  and  by  practising  much  self-denial. 
It  may  be  proper,  also,  further  to  state,  that  this  is 
the  first  appearance  of  the  Author  before  the  public 
as  the  writer  of  a  book ;  and  on  this  account,  he  has 
felt  reluctant  that  his  name  should  be  at  present 
known  to  the  public. 

I  have  examined  the  work  in  manuscript,  and  as 
it  has  passed  through  the  press,  with  deep  and 
growing  interest,  and  with  increasingly  augmented 
convictions  of  its   utility,  and  of  the  ability  with 


IV 

which  it  is  written.  Some  of  the  characteristics  of 
the  work,  I  think,  will  be  found  to  be  the  following. 
1.  It  is  designed  to  be  an  outline  of  the  subjects 
of  prayer.  It  is  not  intended  to  be  used  as  a  fornn  of 
devotion  ;  but  to  contain  the  leading  sentiments  on  the 
various  topics  of  prayer,  which  it  might  be  desirable 
to  employ.  It  had  its  origin  in  the  Author's  own 
sense  of  the  need  of  such  a  work  wlien  he  became  a 
professor  of  religion.  In  his  private  devotions,  as 
well  as  in  his  public  prayers,  he  deeply  felt  then  the 
desirableness  of  some  such  manual  that  would  sug- 
gest the  appropriate  language,  and  the  appropriate 
trains  of  thought  on  the  various  topics  of  prayer. 
This  deeply -felt  necessity  in  his  own  case,  suggested 
to  him  the  idea  that  such  a  work  might  be  de- 
manded also  by  the  embarrassments  of  others.  It 
was  supposed  by  him — as  is  undoubtedly  the  case — 
that  many  others  may  have  similar  difficulties 
when  they  at  first  make  a  profession  of  religion  ; 
and  that  they  would  be  materially  benefited  by 
some  such  aid  as  this  volume  is  designed  to  furnish. 
Probably  in  all  our  churches  there  are  many,  par- 
ticularly among  the  young,  who  experience  much 
embarrassment  when  called  to  ofier  prayer  in  public, 


and  who  would  be  materially  aided  by  some  such 
work  as  this,  suggesting  the  appropriate  language, 
and  appropriate  Scripture  passages  on  the  various 
topics  of  prayer. — There  is  no  work,  it  is  believed, 
which  meets  this  deficiency ;  or  which  will  serve  to 
relieve  the  embarrassment  which  is  so  often  felt. 
Unless  I  am  deceived,  this  work  will,  therefore,  oc- 
cupy a  place  which  is  filled  by  no  other,  and  will 
be  found  to  be  a  very  material  aid,  particularly  to 
the  younger  members  of  the  churches. 

2.  The  style  is  uncommonly  pure,  simple,  chaste, 
and  remarkably  adapted  to  the  subjects.  It  abounds 
with  Scripture  phrases  and  with  passages  happily 
introduced  and  pertinent  to  the  subject.  It  is  elegant 
and  finished,  without  any  improper  attempt  at  orna- 
ment, and  yet  with  as  much  ornament  as  is  proper 
in  public  prayer.  It  is  always  serious  and  solemn  ; 
always  breathes  a  spirit  of  true  devotion ;  and  such 
as  will  express  the  feelings  of  elevated  piety  in  an 
address  to  God.  It  is  such  as  would  be  prompted 
by  a  well  disciplined  mind,  a  cultivated  intellect, 
and  a  pure  heart ;  a  spirit  chaste,  and  refined,  and 
impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  divine  presence,  and  of 
the  importance  of  the  service  of  prayer,  when  deeply 


VI 

conscious  of  addressing  the  Great  and  Eternal  God. 
In  some  of  the  prayers,  there  is  uncommon  beauty 
of  language  ;  and  if  such  language  should  become 
common,  even  in  the  pulpit,  it  would  materially 
conduce  to  the  interest  which  is  felt  in  this  part  of 
public  worship.  Indeed,  I  know  of  no  book,  except 
the  Bible,  by  familiarity  with  whose  modes  of  ex- 
pression, even  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  would  be 
more  directly  benefited  than  this  little  volume. 
The  more  it  is  examined,  I  think,  the  more  will  the 
beauty  of  the  language  be  appreciated  and  felt. 

3.  The  sentiments  are  scriptural.  The  great 
truths  of  evangelical  Christianity  are  presented, 
while  at  the  same  time  there  is,  probably,  no  senti- 
ment advanced  which  could  not  be  uttered,  and 
which  is  not  constantly  uttered  in  prayer,  by  the 
great  body  of  Christians  of  all  denominations.  The 
doctrines  of  the  fall  and  ruin  of  man ;  of  the  depra- 
vity of  the  heart ;  of  its  deep  pollutions  and  evil 
tendencies ;  of  the  divinity  and  incarnation  of  the 
Redeemer ;  of  his  atoning  sacrifice ;  of  justification 
by  his  merits  ;  of  the  agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in 
renewin^r  and  sanctifvins  the  soul ;   of  the  eternal 


vu 

rewards  of  the  righteous,  and  the  eternal  condemna- 
tion of  the  wicked ;  and  the  obhgation  to  a  holy  life, 
will  be  found  to  prevail  every  where  in  the  work. 
At  the  same  time,  it  is  imbued  with  a  large  and 
catholic  spirit.  It  breathes  benevolence  towards  all. 
It  utters  the  language  of  supplication  for  all.  And 
it  would  tend  to  promote  a  liberal  and  large  spirit 
among  all  who  should  use  it. 

4.  It  is  a  work  adapted  to  the  times  in  which  we 
live.  It  is  fitted  to  direct  the  mind  and  the  heart 
more  and  more  towards  the  plans  of  Christian  be- 
nevolence, and  to  foster  a  love  for  the  institutions 
which  contemplate  the  salvation  of  the  world.  Its 
constant  use  would  make  a  Christian  more  and 
more  the  friend  of  Sabbath-schools  ;  of  the  poor  ;  of 
the  afflicted ;  and  of  the  institutions  for  the  transla- 
tion and  spread  of  the  Bible,  and  for  spreading  the 
gospel  around  the  world.  Prayer,  formed  after  the 
models  here  presented,  would  breathe  always  the 
benevolent  spirit  of  the  gospel,  and  would  be  fitted 
to  foster  in  the  hearts  of  Christians,  elevated  views 
of  devotion,  and  Christian  benevolence,  and  at  the 
same  time,   tend  to  secure  the  divine  co-operation 


viii 

and  blessing  on  the  great  enterprises  for  the  conver- 
sion of  this  whole  world  to  Christ. 

With  these  characteristics,  this  book  will  do  good, 
in  my  humble  judgment,  wherever  it  is  used.  It 
will  be  found  a  material  and  very  valuable  aid  in 
the  devotions  of  the  young ;  and  will  tend  to  pro- 
mote a  spirit  of  self-denial  and  of  benevolence  ;  and 
to  diffuse  among  the  followers  of  the  Redeemer, 
more  ardent  wishes  for  the  conversion  of  all  man- 
kind to  God. 

Albert  Barnes^ 

Philadelphia,  Nov.  29,  1837. 


PREFACE, 

It  might  be  reasonably  presumed  by  any  one  who 
did  not  know  the  contrary,  that  every  Christian  is 
acquainted  with  all  the  items  of  the  long  catalogue  of 
his  wants  in  the  sight  of  God ;  and  that  he  is  able  to 
spread  them  before  the  Throne  of  Grace  in  appropri- 
ate language.  Yet  every  person,  at  all  intimate  with 
church  members,  and  especially  with  those  who  are 
young  in  the  christian  life,  has  had  abundant  oppor- 
tunity to  observe,  that  most  of  them  know  but  few  of 
their  religious  necessities,  as  subjects  of  prayer;  and 
that  they  are  in  consequence  without  definite  feelings 
respecting  them,  and  adequate  words  to  express  them. 

The  influence  of  prayer,  in  forming  private  piety, 
and  in  giving  tone  to  the  character  and  success  to  the 
efforts  of  the  church,  is  fully  acknowledged  by  all. 
Indeed  the  theory  of  all  God's  people  is,  that  without 
this  instrumentality  religion  would  die  as  surely  and 
as  speedily  as  the  panting  animal  in  an  exhausted 
receiver.  And  their  views  are  equally  positive,  that 
with  this  means  of  grace,  used  in  its  fullest  power,  a 
mental  and  moral  renovation  would  take  place  through 
all  the  earth's  inhabitants  that  would  be  almost  as 
complete  and  blessed  in  its  kind  as  that  creation  of  a 
2 


14 


new  heaven  and  a  new  earth  wherein  dwelleth  righte- 
ousness. 

It  is  moreover  a  conceded  fact  that  the  devotional 
character  of  Christians  by  no  means  keeps  pace  with 
their  religious  activities.  Action,  action,  is  the  watch- 
word of  their  present  history:  and  it  is  surely  a  re- 
quisite of  obedience  to  God.  But  without  prayer  it 
becomes  a  mere  lifeless  apparatus.  Nor  will  it  be 
regarded  as  uncharitable  to  say,  that  a  large  amount 
of  their  efforts,  in  each  of  the  various  departments  of 
benevolent  enterprize,  is  deficient  in  this  vitality;  and 
that  in  this  defectiveness  we  find  the  explanation 
why  their  success  is  so  utterly  disproportioned  to 
their  exertions. 

Yet  notwithstanding  these  correct  opinions  so  gen- 
erally entertained,  it  is  still  a  melancholy  truth  that 
but  {ew  professing  Christians  carry  them  out  into  prac- 
tice. Individual  piety,  except  in  comparatively  few 
instances,  still  lingers  in  its  infancy.  The  church  of 
Christ  is  still  feeble  in  her  energies,  and  limited  in  her 
triumphs ;  and  the  latter  day  glory  which  might  even 
now,  so  far  as  human  agency  is  concerned,  be  pour- 
ing the  full  blaze  of  its  meridian  splendours  over  a 
regenerated  world,  is  only  dimly  seen  in  the  distant 
sky,  breaking  the  outline  of  darkness  with  the  faint 
promise  of  future  light. 

The  inquiry  naturally  arises — "  Why  have  not 
Christians  used  this  power  of  prayer?"    The  answer 


15 

submitted  here  is,  that  a  principal  reason  is  to  be 
found  in  the  fact  that,  as  a  body,  they  have  never 
made  its  various  topics  matters  of  close  and  heart- 
felt familiarity  and  suitable  expression,  in  their  pri- 
vate devotions.  They  have  not  furnished  their  un- 
derstandings with  a  particular  knowledge  of  the 
things  they  need,  nor  exercised  their  affections  by  the 
frequent  presentation  of  them  before  God,  in  all  their 
particularity,  and  in  language  that  will  at  once  ex- 
press and  excite  the  feelings  suitable  to  such  an  im- 
portant service. 

The  following  work  has  been  humbly  undertaken 
with  the  view  of  furnishing  Christians,  and  especially 
young  converts,  vv^ith  a  manual  of  the  subjects  and 
modes  of  prayer;  and  thus  of  pointing  out  (if  not  of 
supplying  to  some  extent)  the  means  of  remedying 
the  deficiencies  noticed  above.  The  author  is  fully 
aware  that  his  effort  is  a  feeble  one.  His^path  was 
untrodden  and  difficult;  and  it  ought  not  to  be  wonder- 
ed at,  if  he  has  cast  up  a  highway  which  the  traveller 
will  not  find  to  be  level  and  direct  in  all  its  length. 
Moreover,  the  peculiar  character  of  the  undertaking 
has  forbidden  the  use  of  such  ornaments  of  style  as 
are  permitted  in  almost  every  other  composition;  and 
it  has  thus  been  lefl  almost  destitute  of  literary  in- 
terest. 

This  volume  should  not  be  regarded  merely  as  a 
book  of  forms.     It  has  not  been  the  intention  of  the 


16 


writer  to  furnish  a  complete  prayer  under  each  topic; 
but  to  offer  the  leading  ideas  which  would  seem  to 
belong  to  each,  to  arrange  them  in  some  order,  and 
to  give  them  a  scriptural  and  evangelical  expression. 
The  proper  use  of  the  book,  it  is  hoped,  will  store  the 
reader's  memory  with  a  vocabulary  of  his  wants, 
supply  his  understanding  with  a  train  of  thought 
suitable  to  them,  and  give  his  heart  an  intelligent  and 
fervent  habit  of  stated  and  ejaculatory  devotion. 

It  may  be  considered  a  serious  defect  by  many  de- 
vout persons,  that  these  topics  are  not  severally  clos- 
ed by  the  invocation  of  a  blessing  through  the  Media- 
tor, or  an  ascription  of  praise  to  God.  They  do  not, 
however,  appear  justly  liable  to  this  charge,  inasmuch 
as  they  are  intended  only  as  parts  of  prayer,  which, 
except  in  special  cases,  are  to  be  employed  in  various 
combinations  with  other  parts,  at  the  user's  pleasure. 
The  important  and  essential  feature  of  a  distinct  re- 
ference to  the  merits  of  the  Saviour  will,  it  is  expected, 
be  found  in  sufficient  frequency  throughout  the  body 
of  the  work;  and  it  is  presumed,  that  every  Christian 
is  competent  and  mindful,  in  closing  his  petitions,  to 
supply  that  part  of  the  exercise  which  is  technically 
called  the  "  blessing." 

As  some  may  be  disappointed  in  not  finding  par- 
ticular points  more  copiously  expressed,  it  may  be 
remarked  that  this  apparent  deficiency  will,  in  most 
cases  be  found  supplied  under  other  heads,  the  Ian- 


17 

guage  of  which  could  not  be  used  at  the  points  that 
may  be  noticed  as  defective,  without  unpleasant  and 
unnecessary  repetition. 

Others  may  think  that  there  is  too  great  a  dispro- 
portion between  the  personal  and  intercessory  suppli- 
cations. The  mode  pursued  has  been  intentionally 
adopted,  so  as  to  give  a  greater  degree  of  unity  to  the 
work.  Although  intercessory  prayer  is  introduced  in 
lesser  proportions  than  might  seem  consonant  with 
the  petitioner's  strong  yearnings  of  heart  for  the  best 
welfare  of  mankind,  yet  it  was  known  that  the  mere 
substitution  of  pronouns  would  make  nearly  t?ie  whole 
language  of  the  book  available  in  supplicating  bless- 
ings on  others. 

It  has  been  a  sedulous  desire  throughout  these 
pages  to  keep  them  free  from  sectarian  peculiarities, 
and  to  furnish  a  volume  which  would  (without  offence 
to  any)  contribute  to  the  devotion  of  every  evangelic 
cal  denomination.  If  any  bias  should  be  discovered 
in  it,  the  reader  may  be  assured  that  it  was  wholly 
unintentional. 

This  work  is  principally  designed  to  furnish  an  as- 
sistant to  closet  devotion.  But  the  plan  it  suggests 
is  not  intended  to  end  with  this  advantage.  It  is  well 
known  that  the  business  of  leading  in  public  prayer 
is  limited  to  a  few  who  are  gifted  with  more  courage, 
capacity  or  zeal,  than  the  large  majority  of  the  church, 
which  is  thus  left  without  employment  in  that  particu- 
lar sphere  of  Christian  duty. 


18 

The  hope  is  entertained  that  the  system  of  devo- 
tional thought  presented  in  these  pages  will  assist  in 
bringing  out  into  this  service  some  who,  having  been 
intimidated  by  its  difficulties,  are  now  relying  supinely 
on  the  gifts  of  their  more  favoured  brethren.  It  should 
be  a  prominent  object  with  every  church  to  have  a 
numerous  band,  who  are  able  intelligently  and  fer- 
vently to  lead  its  devotions:  but  the  great  body  of 
church-members  will  not  be  able  to  discharge  this  im- 
portant duty  without  diligent  attention  to  the  gifts  and 
graces  of  supplication. 

It  should  not  be  understood  that  the  author  regards 
the  machinery  of  prayer  as  possessing  more  value 
than  its  spirit.  Far,  very  far  otherwise.  It  would 
be  infinitely  better  to  employ  the  broken  and  disjoint- 
ed sentences  of  untutored  but  craving  religious  want, 
than  to  use  with  heartless  formality  the  most  finished 
liturgy.  Still  it  is  true,  on  the  whole,  that  the  excel- 
lency and  efficacy  of  prayer  will  depend  very  much 
on  our  knowing  definitely  and  thoroughly  what  we 
want,  and  how  to  express  our  desires. 

The  Author. 
October,  1837. 


MANUAL  OF  PRAYER. 


ACCOUNTABILITY. 

O  THOU  Judge  of  the  quick  and  the  dead,  make 
me  reahze  that  I  am  responsible  to  thee  for  all  my 
thoughts,  words,  and  actions ;  and  in  all  my  duties 
and  privileges.  Thou  searchest  my  heart  and  triest 
my  reins :  thou  knowest  all  the  thoughts  of  my  mind, 
with  all  the  works  of  my  life ;  and  thou  makest  record 
of  them  : — and  for  all  these  thou  wilt  bring  me  into 
judgment,  whether  they  be  good  or  evil.  Then  there 
shall  be  nothing  that  now  is  covered  that  shall  not  be 
revealed ;  and  hid  that  shall  not  be  made  known : 
and  it  shall  be  more  tolerable  for  Sodom  and  Gomor- 
rah than  for  my  soul,  if  I  fail  to  serve  thee  now  in 
reverence  and  godly  fear.  O  let  not  my  stewardship 
of  thy  mercies  be  one  of  wilful  sin,  of  abused  privi- 
leges, and  neglected  duties ;  but  grant  that  in  all  things 
I  may  strive,  in  the  grace  of  Christ,  to  work  out  my 
salvation  with  fear  and  trembling. 

But,  O  Lord,  let  not  my  anxiety  for  my  own  sal- 
vation blind  my  eyes  to  my  duties  to  my  fellow  men. 
Excite  me  to  diligent  labour  on  behalf  of  thy  church 
and  of  sinners.  May  I  feel  that  I  am  bound  to  do 
good  as  I  have  opportunity  ;  looking  diligently  to  the 
judgment  of  that  day  when  the  unprofitable  servant 
shall  be  cast  into  outer  darkness,  while  he  that  has 
been  faithful  shall  enter,  through  the  atonement  of 
Christ,  into  the  joy  of  his  Lord.    And  unto  him  that 


20 


is  able  to  keep  me  from  falling,  and  to  present  me 
faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with  exceed- 
ing joy,  to  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory 
and  majesty,  dominion  and  power,  both  now  and  for 
ever. 

ADOPTION. 

Lord,  wilt  thou  give  me  the  spirit  of  adoption,  by 
which  I  may  cry  "  Abba,  Father?"  I  am  indeed 
thine  offspring  by  creation :  may  I  be  thine  by 
adoption,  and  be  thou  my  parent  in  that  nobler 
relation  of  a  reconciled  God  and  Father  in  the 
Lord  Jesus.  Make  me  one  of  the  number  and  give 
me,  through  the  merits  of  Christ,  a  title  to  the  privi- 
leges of  thy  dear  children.  Behold!  what  manner 
of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed  on  them,  that  they 
should  be  called  the  sons  of  God.  O  grant  that  in  in- 
dulging this  hope,  I  may  purify  myself,  even  as  thou 
art  pure.  Make  it  a  spirit  of  tenderness  and  reverence, 
of  gratitude  and  love,  of  obedience  and  zeal.  May  it 
give  me  access  to  thy  throne  with  an  humble  confi- 
dence in  the  faith  of  Christ,  of  whom  the  whole  family 
in  heaven  and  earth  is  named.  May  it  enable  me  in 
all  the  vicissitudes  of  life  to  look  up  to  thee  as  infi- 
nitely able  and  willing  to  bless  me  with  thy  paternal 
gifts :  for  if  earthly  parents  know  how  to  give  good 
gifts  to  their  children,  much  more  will  our  Heavenly 
Father  give  his  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him. 
Grant  that  thy  Spirit  may  bear  witness  with  mine 
that  I  am  thy  child  ;  and  if  a  child,  then  an  heir,  and 
a  joint-heir  with  Christ,  In  that  inheritance  which  fad- 
eth  not  away. 

Look  in  mercy,  O  God,  on  thy  children  by  nature, 
who  are  wandering  as  prodigals  from  their  home, 
and  are  living  without  God  in  the  world.     Touch 


21 

their  hearts  with  a  feeling  of  their  wants  and  their 
apostacy ;  and  do  thou  bring  many  back,  who  shall 
say  they  have  sinned  against  heaven  and  in  thy  sight, 
and  are  not  worthy  to  be  called  thy  children.  Estab- 
lish them  in  the  fellowship  of  thy  saints,  and  make 
them  heirs  of  the  grace  of  life,  through  the  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ. 

ADORATION. 

O  Most  High,  thou  dwellest  in  light  that  is  inac- 
cessible and  full  of  glory.  Thou  art  infinite,  eternal, 
and  unchangeable  in  thy  being,  wisdom,  power,  holi- 
ness, justice,  goodness  and  truth.  Thou  art  not  wor- 
shipped as  though  thou  needest  any  thing ;  for  thou 
givest  unto  all,  life,  and  breath,  and  all  things.  Yet 
thou  art  exalted  above  principalities  and  powers,  that 
at  thy  name  every  knee  should  bow,  and  every 
tongue  confess.  O,  thou  art  infinitely  worthy  of 
the  everlasting  adoration  of  all  thy  rational  creatures. 
Thou  art  glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in  praises,  doing 
wonders.  In  thee  I  live,  and  move,  and  have  my  be- 
ing. From  thee  1  derive  every  good  and  perfect  gift. 
It  was  thy  power  which  created  me  ;  it  is  thy  wisdom 
that  governs  me  ;  thy  goodness  that  provides  for  me ; 
and  thy  grace  that  saves  me.  O  help  me,  adorable 
Jehovah,  to  feel  and  express  the  infinite  excellencies 
of  thy  character,  and  to  bow  before  thee  as  over  all, 
God,  blessed  for  ever. — [See  Praise,  and  the  various 
Atti'ibutes.] 

AFFLICTION. 

Prepare  me,  O  Lord,  for  meeting  and  bearing  all 
the  adversities  of  life.  Support  or  deliver  me  in  pov- 
erty, in  sickness,  in  pain,  in  bereavement,  in  persecu- 
tion, in  sorrow,  in  rq) roach.  Let  the  trial  of  my 
faith  in  all  these  work  patience  and  holiness.     May 


22 

I  endure  as  seeing  him  who  is  invisible;  and  so  repose 
on  thy  wisdom  and  goodness,  that  I  may  say — "  Thy 
will  be  done — do  with  me  as  seemeth  good  in  thy 
sight — ;hou  givest  and  takest  away;  blessed  be  the 
name  of  the  Lord."  Though  thy  judgments  are  un- 
searchable and  thy  ways  past  finding  out,  I  know 
that  thou  art  too  wise  to  err;  for  thine  understanding 
is  infinite.  Thou  art  too  good  to  be  unkind;  for  thou 
dost  not  afflict  willingly,  nor  grieve  the  children  of 
men ;  yea,  whom  thou  lovest  thou  chastenest,  and 
scourgest  every  child  whom  thou  receivest, 

O  Shepherd  of  Israel,  cause  my  every  adversity  to 
be  sanctified  to  me.  Lead  me  to  acknowledge  thy 
hand  in  it ;  to  feel  that  my  sins  have  far  more  than 
deserved  it;  and  to  be  willing  that  thy  justice  may 
be  exalted  at  my  expense,  and  that  I  may  be  brought 
to  say,  "  I  know,  O  Lord,  that  thy  judgments  are 
right,  and  that  in  faithfulness  thou  hast  afflicted  me." 
Show  me  that  my  cup  has  been  mingled  with  mer- 
cies;  for  the  days  of  my  comforts  have  far  outnum- 
bered the  hours  of  my  sorrows — that  my  griefs  are 
not  peculiar  to  me;  for  they  are  the  lot  of  humanity 
— that  they  are  not  the  accidents  of  life ;  for  thou 
doest  all  these  things — and  that  I  am  not  called  to  suf- 
fer them  alone,  for  thou  hast  said,  "  I  will  never  leave 
nor  forsake  thee ;  and  my  rod  and  staff  they  shall 
comfort  and  support  thee,  even  in  the  valley  and  sha- 
dow of  death." 

Lord,  grant  that  thy  grace  may  be  peculiarly  dear 
to  me  in  the  hour  of  trial.  Enable  me  to  say  with 
thy  servant,  "  Before  I  was  afflicted,  I  went  astray  ; 
but  now  I  have  kept  thy  word."  May  that  grace 
strengthen  me,  that  I  may  glory  in  tribulation,  know- 
ing that  tribulation  workelh  patience,  and  patience  a 
liope  that  maketh  not  ashamed.     Lead  me  closer  to 


23 

thy  throne,  as  the  only  place  where  I  may  find  abid- 
ing help  in  every  hour  of  need.  Grant,  merciful 
Father,  that  my  troubles  may  lead  me  to  sympathize 
with  all  who  suffer  in  mind,  body,  or  estate;  remem- 
bering them  that  are  in  bonds,  as  being  bound  with 
them  ;  and  them  that  suffer  adversity,  as  being  myself 
also  in  the  body.  Lord,  cause  my  sorrows,  which 
indeed  are  but  for  a  moment,  to  wean  me  from  the 
vanities  and  wickedness  of  earth,  to  prepare  me  for 
eternity,  and  to  work  out  for  me  an  eternal  weight  of 
glory  :  and  vouchsafe  to  me,  in  all  of  them,  the  con- 
soling thought,  that  though  the  earthly  house  of  this 
tabernacle  be  dissolved,  I  have  a  building  of  God,  a 
house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that  the  impenitent,  when  they 
suffer  affliction,  may  be  so  influenced  by  it  as  after- 
wards to  reap  the  peaceable  fruits  of  righteousness. 
Let  them  not  despise  thy  chastenings,  nor  faint  when 
they  are  rebuked  of  thee.  Convince  them  of  sin,  of 
righteousness,  and  of  judgment.  Lead  them  to  re- 
pent and  forsake  the  error  of  their  ways,  and  to  turn 
unto  him  who  maketh  all  things  work  together  for 
good  to  them  that  love  him. 

These  prayers  I  offer  through  the  prevailing  name 
of  Jesus  ;  to  whom,  with  the  Father  and  Spirit,  be  all 
honour  and  rule  for  ever. 

ALL-SUFFICIENCY    OF    GOD. 

Sovereign  of  the  Universe,  thou  art  the  infinite 
source  of  blessedness.  Giving  doth  not  impoverish 
thee,  neither  doth  withholding  make  thee  rich.  It  is 
in  thee  that  my  weakness  is  made  strength,  and  the 
iniquities  of  my  heart  removed.  O  Lord,  let  a  full 
persuasion  of  thy  boundless  sufficiency  fill  my  heart, 
that  I  may  forsake  the  broken  cisterns  of  human  hap- 


24 

piness,  and  go  to  the  fountain  of  living  waters.  May 
I  commit  all  my  wants  and  trials  to  thee ;  may  I  be 
encouraged  in  the  midst  of  danger  and  distress ;  be 
persuaded  that  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness  govern 
all  thy  dealings ;  and  be  led  to  persevere  in  faith  and 
prayer,  until  the  vision  of  hope  be  exchanged  for  thine 
open  presence,  where  there  is  fulness  of  joy  and 
pleasures  for  evermore. 

ANGER. 

Lord,  strengthen  me  by  thy  grace,  that  I  may  re- 
strain and  conquer  my  propensities  to  unholy  anger. 
Let  it  not  cloud  my  brow,  nor  envenom  my  tongue, 
nor  vex  my  heart.  Teach  me  that  he  who  ruleth  his 
own  spirit  is  greater  than  he  who  taketh  a  city ;  and 
that  he  who  is  hasty  of  spirit  exalteth  folly,  and  shall 
suffer  punishment.  He  that  soweth  to  the  wind  shall 
reap  the  whirlwind  ;  but  the  fruit  of  righteousness  is 
sown  in  peace  of  them  that  make  peace. — May  I  con- 
sider him  who  endured  the  contradiction  of  sinners, 
and  seek  not  to  avenge  myself,  but  rather  give  place 
to  wrath.  Let  me  do  nothing  in  rashness  and  strife. 
Enable  me,  in  the  exercise  of  candour,  forbearance, 
meekness,  and  forgiveness,  to  disarm  every  tempta- 
tion to  sinful  passion,  and  to  cause  the  wrath  of  my 
adversaries  to  praise  thee. 

ASSURANCE. 

Lord,  grant  me  a  well-grounded  assurance  of  a 
personal  interest  in  thy  favour.  Comfort  me  by  the 
persuasion  that  my  many  offences  have  been  remitted. 
Enable  me  to  gather  satisfactory  evidence  from  my 
feelings  and  conduct  that  I  have  passed  from  death 
unto  life ;  and  may  thy  Spirit  bear  witness  with  mine 
that  I  am  numbered  with  thy  children.  Give  me  the 
spirit  of  wisdom  and  revelation,  in  the  knowledge  of 


25 


Christ,  that  I  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  his  call- 
ing, and  what  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his  inheri- 
tance in  the  saints.  Cause  me  to  feel  that  it  is  my 
duty  to  aim  at  the  attainment  of  this  grace,  and  my 
privilege  to  enjoy  it,  in  the  exercise  of  faith,  prayer, 
and  zeal.  Blessed  God,  grant  me  the  full  assurance 
of  hope  unto  the  end  : — a  hope  that  I  am  accepted  be- 
fore thee  for  the  merits  of  Christ ;  and  that  though 
worms  may  devour  this  body,  yet  in  my  flesh  I  shall 
see  thee,  and  be  satisfied  when  I  awake  in  thy  like- 
ness. 

ATONEMENT. 

God  of  Salvation,  I  thank  and  adore  thee  that  in 
the  counsels  of  eternity  thou  didst  devise  a  plan  by 
which  rebellious,  guilty,  and  hell-deserving  man 
might  receive  thy  forgiveness,  be  reconciled  to  thee, 
and  enjoy  thy  favour — and  that  in  the  fulness  of  time 
thou  didst  finish  thy  decree  of  mercy,  by  sending 
thine  only-begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  on 
him,  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.  O, 
it  was  matchless  compassion  that  made  the  ruins  of 
our  apostacy  the  theatre  on  which  to  display  the  won- 
ders of  redeeming  love.  When  we  lay  in  the  open 
field,  and  were  polluted  in  our  own  blood,  thou  didst 
bid  us  live :  yea,  thou  didst  bid  us  live !  Scarcely  for 
a  righteous  man  would  one  die;  peradventure  for  a 
good  man  some  would  even  dare  to  die ;  but  thou 
hast  commended  thy  love  to  us,  in  that  while  we  were 
sinners  Christ  died  for  us.  Thou  didst  set  him  forth 
to  be  a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood,  for  the 
remission  of  sins,  in  order  that  thou  mightest  be  just, 
and  be  the  justifier  of  him  that  believeth  in  Jesus. 
Lord,  may  I  have  an  ever-present  conviction  that 
there  is  no  other  name  by  which  I  can  be  saved. 
3 


26 

May  I  seek  redemption  only  through  his  blood,  the 
remission  of  sins  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace. 
Purge  thou  my  conscience  from  dead  works  to  serve 
the  living  God  ;  and  may  I  thus  judge,  that  if  Christ 
has  died  for  me,  I  should  henceforth  live  not  unto  my- 
self, but  unto  him.  O  Lord,  grant  that  at  last  I  may 
be  found  among  those  that  have  washed  their  robes 
and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb. 

O  may  there  be  many  who  shall  go  into  all  the 
world  and  preach  this  blessed  gospel  to  every  crea- 
ture. May  men  every  where  learn  their  guilt  and 
danger,  and  see  the  fitness  of  the  Saviour  thou  hast 
provided  for  them.  May  multitudes  thirst  after  righte- 
ousness, and  be  led  to  that  fountain  which  has  been 
opened  in  the  house  of  David,  where  whosoever  will, 
may  take  of  the  waters  of  life  freely.  Grant,  in  thy 
mercy,  that  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  may  look  unto 
Christ  and  be  saved. — [<See  Jesus  Christ.] 

AUTUMN. 

O  thou  that  makest  the  seasons,  and  crownest  them 
with  thy  goodness,  give  ear  to  the  thanksgivings  and 
entreaties  which  I  now  offer  thee  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 
I  praise  thee  that  thou  hast  preserved  me  amid  the 
heat  and  diseases  of  the  past  summer.  I  thank  thee 
for  the  fruits  of  the  earth  which  have  already  been 
gathered,  and  for  those  which  still  burden  the  fields 
with  the  promise  of  plenty.  The  whole  face  of  nature 
speaks  thy  praise,  and  bears  witness  to  thy  bounty. 

Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  hast  been  thus  mind- 
ful of  him  ;  or  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visilest  him? 
Instead  of  continuing  health  and  sparing  life,  thou 
mightest  have  brought  over  us  the  pestilence  that 
walketh  in  darkness,  and  the  destruction  that  wast- 
eth  at  noonday.  Instead  of  making  the  earth  to  bring 


27 


forth  and  bud,  that  it  might  give  seed  to  the  sower 
and  bread  to  the  eater,  thou  couldst  have  made  it 
more  desolate  than  the  wilderness,  until  the  land  had 
fainted  by  reason  of  the  famine.  It  is  of  thy  mercies 
that  we  are  not  consumed  :  for  thou  art  slow  to  anger 
and  full  of  compassion  ;  and  thy  tender  mercies  are 
over  all  thy  works. — O  God,  incline  me  to  be  merci- 
ful to  others,  even  as  thou  hast  been  merciful  to  me. 
Dispose  me,  in  my  enjoyment  of  the  abundance  of 
the  earth,  to  pity  and  relieve  the  wants  of  the  needy  ; 
and  deeply  impress  on  my  heart  the  lesson  of  grati- 
tude which  thou  hast  been  striving  to  teach  me  by  thy 
goodness. 

Whilst  thou  art  now  changing  the  face  of  the  de- 
clining year,  and  bringing  over  it  the  tokens  of  decay 
and  death,  O  teach  me  that  such  are  earthly  hopes 
and  human  life.  The  fashion  of  this  world  passeth 
away  ;  and  we  all  do  fade  as  a  leaf.  The  grass  with- 
ereth,  and  the  flower  fadeth  ;  and  all  flesh  is  as  grass, 
and  all  the  goodliness  thereof  as  the  flower  of  the  field. 
May  these  waning  scenes  lead  me  to  seek  that  in- 
heritance in  light  where  no  sorrow  shall  wither,  and 
no  sin  shall  blast  the  fruit  of  the  tree  of  life,  which  is 
in  the  midst  of  the  paradise  of  God  ! 

Lord,  instruct  me  that  he  who  soweth  sparingly 
shall  reap  also  sparingly ;  and  that  he  who  soweth 
bountifully  shall  reap  also  bountifully.  Let  my  chris- 
tian experience  be  like  the  fruit  of  the  earth,  which 
bringeth  forth  first  the  blade,  then  the  ear,  and  after 
that  the  full  corn  in  the  ear :  and  then,  O  Lord,  when 
thy  harvest  is  come,  put  in  thy  sickle,  and  gather  me, 
as  a  shock  of  corn  cometh  in  his  season,  into  thy 
heavenly  garner.  And  the  praise  of  my  salvation 
shall  be  unto  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost  forever. 


28 


BACKSLIDING. 

O  thou,  who  through  Christ,  art  rich  in  mercy  to  all 
who  call  upon  thee,  preserve  me,  I  pray  thee,  against 
backsliding  from  the  ways  of  grace.  Let  not  my  in- 
firmities and  corruptions  lead  me  back  to  the  love  of 
the  world.  Suffer  not  the  temptations  by  which  I  am 
surrounded  to  draw  me  away  from  my  love  and  alle- 
giance to  thee.  Teach  me  to  avoid  the  appearance 
of  evil,  and  to  watch  against  the  earliest  and  least  en- 
croachments of  sin,  both  in  the  heart  and  in  the  life. 
Let  me  not  fall  into  the  occasional  nor  habitual  neglect 
of  public  or  private  duties.  Permit  me  not  to  sub- 
stitute formality  for  the  spirit  of  devotion  ;  nor  insin- 
cerity for  truth  of  heart ;  nor  vainglory  for  good  will 
to  man  ;  nor  error  for  the  truth  of  God.  Keep  me,  O 
Lord,  from  open  transgression,  and  from  degrading 
thy  cause  in  the  eyes  of  a  gainsaying  world,  by  an 
unholy  walk  and  conversation.  And  grant,  merciful 
Father,  that  when  my  feet  fall  into  snares,  and  slide 
in  the  way  of  evil,  thy  grace  may  be  sufficient  for 
that  hour  of  need.  Bring  me  back  from  all  my  wan- 
derings, and  may  the  memory  of  them  make  me  hum- 
ble and  watchful.  Forgive  my  backslidings,  restore 
me  to  thy  favour,  set  my  feet  upon  the  rock,  estab- 
lish my  goings  in  thy  strength,  and  dispose  me  to 
press  on  towards  the  mark,  for  the  prize  of  my  high 
calling.  Lord,  let  me  not  be  of  those  that  draw  back 
unto  perdition,  but  of  them  that  believe  unto  the  sav- 
ing of  the  soul. 

BENEVOLENCE. 

Father  of  mercies,  fill  my  heart  with  ever-living 
sympathies  for  the  wants  and  woes  of  all  my  fellow 
creatures.  Make  me  merciful  even  as  thou.  Heavenly 
Father,  art  merciful.  May  I  desire  more  the  blessing 


29 

of  them  that  are  ready  to  perish  than  the  favour  of 
the  wise  and  rich,  and  mighty.  Make  me  the  stew- 
ard of  thy  bounty,  for  with  such  sacrifices  thou  art 
well  pleased  ;  and  grant  that  I  may  experience  the 
truth  of  thy  word,  that  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than 
to  receive.  Lord,  thou  lovest  a  cheerful  giver.  May 
I  remember  that  whoso  hath  this  world's  goods  and 
seeth  his  brother  have  need,  and  shutteth  up  his  bow- 
els of  compassion  from  him,  the  love  of  God  dwell- 
eth  not  in  him. 

Dispose  me  to  do  good,  as  I  have  opportunity,  in 
all  the  relations  of  hfe.  May  I  be  eyes  to  the  blind, 
feet  to  the  lame,  health  to  the  sick,  strength  to  the 
feeble,  help  to  the  needy,  and  comfort  to  the  mourn- 
er. But  above  all,  may  my  desires  and  zeal  go  forth 
for  the  spiritual  wants  of  mankind.  Let  not  indolence, 
selfishness,  nor  unbelief  steel  my  heart  against  the 
claims  of  those  who  live  regardless  of  thy  will,  and  of 
those  who  are  perishing  for  lack  of  knowledge.  Lord, 
make  me  an  humble  yet  honoured  instrument  in  thy 
hand  of  spreading  the  knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  of 
turning  sinners  from  the  error  of  their  ways  unto  the 
wisdom  of  the  just. 

Bible. — See  Scriptures. 

BIRTH-DAY. 

O  thou  Giver  and  Preserver  of  Being,  I  would  lift 
up  my  thanksgivings  to  thee  for  having  continued 
and  blessed  my  life  through  another  year.  Here  I 
would  raise  my  Ebenezer,  and  say,  "  Hitherto  hath 
the  Lord  helped  me."  I  would  look  back  with 
mingled  feelings  of  wonder  and  love  on  the  way  in 
which  thou  hast  led  me,  ever  since  the  dawn  of  my 
existence.     If  thou  hadst  measured  unto  me  accord- 


30 

ing  to  my  deserts,  my  days  of  probation  would  long 
ago  have  been  ended,  and  I  should  now  be  reaping 
the  fruits  of  sin  in  the  world  of  despair.  But,  thanks 
be  unto  thee,  thy  mercy  rejoiced  against  judgment ; 
and  I,  who  might  have  been  a  monument  of  thy  jus- 
tice, am  a  witness  that  thou  art  long-suffering  and 
abundant  in  goodness. 

Lord,  accept  my  gratitude  for  the  many  tokens  of 
thy  favour  which  I  have  enjoyed  since  my  last  birth- 
day. I  thank  thee  for  my  food  and  raiment,  my 
home  and  friends,  my  health  and  my  countless  com- 
forts. I  praise  thee  that  the  means  of  grace — the 
institution  of  prayer,  the  worship  of  thy  sanctuary, 
the  oracles  of  truth,  the  fellowship  of  saints — havedl 
been  continued  unto  me.  And  to  all  these  thou  hast 
added  the  teaching,  and  sanctifying,  and  rejoicing 
influences  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Lord,  thou  hast 
crowned  my  year  with  thy  goodness,  and  thy  paths 
in  it  have  dropped  fatness. 

O  God,  help  me  to  ponder  and  fulfil  the  duties  of 
heart  and  action  which  lie  before  me  in  the  untra- 
velled  and  uncertain,  but  important  period  of  time 
on  which  I  am  now  entering.  I  may  have  numbered 
the  last  year  of  my  existence ;  and  ere  the  present 
one  shall  have  finished  its  brief  circle,  time  may  be 
to  me  no  more,  and  the  state  of  my  soul  be  unalter- 
ably fixed.  Make  me  thoughtful  of  death  and  eter- 
nity ;  and  yet  suffer  me  not  to  forget,  that  while  it  is 
still  day,  and  before  the  night  comcth,  in  which  no 
man  can  work,  thou  hast  appointed  unto  me  spheres 
of  duty,  which  thou  requirest  me  to  occupy  until  thy 
coming.  Give  me,  I  beseech  thee,  in  Christ  Jesus, 
an  eye  of  wisdom  to  discern,  and  a  heart  of  love  to 
do,  all  the  requirements  of  thy  blessed  will.  And  if 
it  be  thy  pleasure  to  prolong  my  years,  may  I  look 


31 


back  on  them  as  spent  in  thy  service,  and  say,  "  For 
me  to  Jive  is  Christ !"  But  if  thou  wilt  bring  my 
season  of  trial  to  an  end,  O  grant  that  I  may  be 
able  to  say,  with  exuhing  joy,  "  For  me  to  die  is 
gain !" 

BIGOTRY. 

God  of  Truth,  preserve  my  understanding  and 
heart  from  the  influence  of  bigotry.  While  I  am  not 
permitted  to  tolerate  dangerous  error,  nor  connive  at 
heresy,  keep  me  from  ignorant  perversity  and  bh'nd 
obstinacy  in  defending  my  own  opinions  ;  and  from 
unkindness  and  intolerance  towards  those  from  whom 
I  differ  in  sentiment.  Suffer  me  not  to  mistake  pre- 
judice for  the  love  of  truth,  nor  malice  for  true  zeal. 
May  I  sincerely  desire  the  success  of  all  who  labour 
for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  welfare  of  souls.  Re- 
store, O  Lord,  the  spirit  of  harmony  in  all  the  divi- 
sions of  the  household  of  faith;  so  that  thy  watch- 
men may  see  eye  to  eye,  and  thy  saints,  of  every 
name,  dwell  in  the  unity  of  the  Spirit. 

BLESSING  OF  GOD. 

Great  God,  I  desire  to  feel  that  without  thy  bless- 
ing, all  that  I  now  possess,  and  all  1  hope  to  enjoy, 
will  be  barren  and  worthless.  Thou  only  canst 
make  my  possessions  and  pursuits  answer  the  pur- 
poses of  wisdom  and  goodness.  Lord,  bless  thou 
my  waking  and  sleeping  hours  ;  my  seasons  of  re- 
tirem.ent  and  intercourse ;  my  daily  food  and  daily 
duties;  my  joys  and  sorrows;  my  prosperity  and 
adversity  ;  my  rest  and  labour ;  my  praises  and 
prayers ;  my  thoughts,  words,  and  actions ;  my 
hopes ;  my  all.  Whatsoever  thou  mayest  deny  me, 
grant  me  thy  favour  which  is  life,  and  thy  loving 


32 


kindness  which  is  better  than  life.  Let  me  not  un- 
dertake nor  prosecute  any  thing  on  which  I  cannot 
ask  thee  to  set  the  seal  of  thine  approbation.  May 
I  turn  away  from  every  thing  which  I  may  judge  to 
be  repugnant  to  thy  will.  Especially  may  1  feel,  in 
my  religious  duties,  that  neither  is  he  that  planteth 
any  thing,  nor  he  that  watereth,  but  God  that  giveth 
the  increase.  If  thou  vouchsafe  not  thy  favour,  the 
heaven  that  is  over  my  head  shall  be  as  brass,  and 
the  earth  that  is  under  my  feet  shall  be  as  iron. 
Without  thee  I  can  do  nothing  ;  for  in  myself  my 
strength  is  weakness,  my  wisdom  is  folly,  and  my 
goodness  is  as  the  morning  cloud  and  the  early  dew. 
But  I  praise  thee  that  my  sufficiency  is  of  God,  and 
that  I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ  strengthening 
me.  Endue  me,  I  beseech  thee,  with  power  from 
on  high  ;  and  make  thy  strength  perfect  in  my  weak- 
ness. 

O  Lord,  bestow  thine  abiding  sanction  and  thy 
richest  blessing  upon  the  various  efforts  of  thy 
church.  Give  them  abundant  success.  Make  them 
all  works  of  faith  and  labours  of  love.  Let  "Glory 
to  God  in  the  highest,  on  earth,  peace  and  good  will 
to  men,"  be  inscribed  on  every  motive  and  every 
exertion  of  christian  zeal.  Cast  down  every  obsta- 
cle and  subdue  every  enemy.  O,  do  thou  remove  all 
the  woes  and  vices  that  afflict  humanity  ;  and  in  their 
stead,  bring  thou  the  peace  and  purity  of  the  precious 
gospel,  which  are  the  sure  and  satisfying  tokens  of 
that  holy  blessedness  which  fills  the  courts  of  thine 
upper  sanctuary.  Lord,  give  these  petitions  gra- 
cious audience  through  Christ  the  Saviour;  and  dis- 
pose me  to  ascribe  unto  the  King,  immortal,  eternal, 
and  invisible,  all  the  praise  and  dominion,  now, 
henceforth,  and  for  ever. 


33 


BROTHERLY  LOVE. 

O  thou  who  art  the  Fountain  of  Love,  fill  my 
heart  with  strong  affections  for  all  that  are  of  the 
household  of  faith.  May  I  keep  that  message  that 
we  had  from  the  beginning — that  we  should  love 
one  another.  He  who  doeth  this  abideth  in  light, 
and  there  is  none  occasion  of  stumbling  in  him.  May 
I  regard  thy  people  as  lively  stones  of  thy  spiritual 
house;  as  partners  with  me  in  the  trials  of  hfe,  and 
in  the  grace  of  God  ;  as  members  of  thy  family  on 
earth,  and  of  thy  heritage  in  heaven.  Lord,  grant 
me  that  testimony  of  having  passed  from  death  unto 
life,  which  flows  from  love  to  the  brethren. 

Lord  of  Hosts,  may  all  thy  saints  love  each  other, 
not  in  word  nor  in  tongue  only,  but  in  deed  and  in 
truth.  M:iy  they  be  kind  one  to  another,  forgiving 
one  another,  even  as  God  tor  Christ's  sake  hath  for- 
given them.  May  brotherly  love  continue,  through 
evil  report  as  well  as  good  report.  Dispose  them  to 
suffer  long,  to  hope  all  things,  to  believe  all  things. 
Show  them,  O  Lord,  that  the  success  of  thy  king- 
dom among  the  ungodly,  the  peace  and  joy  of  the 
fold  of  Christ,  and  the  enduring  favour  of  Jehovah, 
depend  on  their  loving  one  another  out  of  pure  hearts, 
fervently. 

BUSINESS. 

Lord,  dispose  me  to  act  according  to  thy  will,  and 
in  reference  to  thy  glory,  in  all  my  worldly  business. 
I  thank  thee  for  that  law  of  my  nature  by  which 
thou  hast  connected  my  happiness  and  usefulness 
with  the  employment  of  my  body  and  mind  in  the 
duties  of  life.  O  let  not  mere  selfishness  be  the 
motive  nor  end  of  my  labour.    May  I  desire  to  fulfil 


34 

in  myself  the  benevolent  purposes  of  thy  providence 
in  giving  me  an  active  nature,  and  to  make  my  em- 
ployments promote  the  temporal  and  spiritual  inter- 
ests of  mankind.  Make  me  diligent  in  business, 
fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord  ;  so  that  whether 
I  eat,  or  drink,  or  whatever  I  do,  I  may  do  it  for  thy 
glory. 

CENSORIOUSNESS. 

Lord,  preserve  me  from  the  spirit  of  censorious- 
ness.  Guard  me  against  an  intermeddling,  rash,  or 
uncharitable  judgment  on  the  conduct  of  my  fellow- 
creatures.  May  I  do  unto  others  in  this  matter,  as  I 
would  they  should  do  unto  me.  May  I  remember 
that  with  what  measure  I  mete,  it  shall  be  measured 
to  me  again.  Let  me  not  judge  according  to  appear- 
ance, but  judge  righteous  judgment.  Whenever  I 
am  tempted  to  behold  the  mote  that  is  in  my  brother's 
eye,  may  I  consider  the  beam  that  is  in  mine  own 
eye.  Show  me  my  own  weakness  and  sinfulness. 
Dispose  me  to  think  no  evil  of  any,  and  to  maintain 
a  good  opinion  of  all,  until  I  have  proved  all  things. 
And  when  it  becomes  my  duty  to  censure  others, 
may  I  do  it,  not  in  anger  nor  pride  of  heart,  but  in 
sorrow,  and  with  a  desire  to  do  good. 

CHARITY. 

Giver  of  all  Good,  grant  me  that  fruit  of  the  Spirit 
which  is  love.  May  this  be  the  element  where  my 
soul  will  live,  and  move,  and  have  its  being.  O,  may 
I  feel  that  if  I  could  speak  with  the  tongues  of  men 
and  angels,  and  have  not  charity,  I  am  become  as 
sounding  brass  or  a  tinkling  cymbal :  though  I  should 
bestow  all  my  goods  to  feed  the  poor,  and  give  my 


35 

body  to  be  burned,  and  have  not  charity,  it  profiteth 
me  nothing. 

Lord,  grant  that  thy  holy  commandment,  and  the 
countless  examples  of  thy  good  will,  and  the  various 
wants  of  my  fellow  beings,  may  be  heart-stirring 
motives  to  this  law  of  kindness.  And  especially 
may  the  love  of  Christ  constrain  me  to  love  my 
neighbour  as  myself.  May  this  grace  preserve  me 
from  envy,  censoriousness,  and  ill-will,  and  so  mould 
my  temper  and  character,  that  I  shall  be  meek  and 
forbearing,  disinterested  and  self-denying,  and  stead- 
fast and  kind,  in  all  my  intercourse  with  mankind. 
Blessed  God,  let  it  not  be  bounded  by  narrow  limits, 
but  be  as  expansive  as  the  length  and  breadth  of  the 
world,  and  take  into  the  bosom  of  its  sympathies  the 
whole  family  of  man. 

O  ihou  Sovereign  of  Destinies,  hasten  that  time 
when  charity  shall  fill  the  hearts  and  control  the 
conduct  of  all  men ;  when  anger,  and  malice,  and 
revenge  shall  have  fled  away  for  ever  ;  when  nations 
shall  learn  war  no  more,  and  Jesus,  the  Prince  of 
Peace,  shall  reign  over  an  undisturbed  empire  of 
love. 

CHASTITY. 

Preserve  me,  O  Holy  One,  from  impurity  in 
thought,  in  word,  and  in  action.  Grant  that  a  sense 
of  thy  holiness  and  thine  omniscience  may  so  rest 
upon  me,  that  I  may  walk  in  the  Spirit,  and  not  ful- 
fil the  lusts  of  the  flesh.  May  I  set  a  watch  upon  my 
lips,  that  no  corrupt  communication  may  proceed  out 
of  my  mouth — and  make  a  covenant  with  my  eyes, 
that  they  may  not  pamper  forbidden  wishes — and 
throw  a  guard  around  my  heart,  that  it  may  not 
devise  wicked  imaginations.      Enable   me   to  put 


36 

away  all  uncleanness,   and  to  glorify  thee  in  my 
body  and  spirit,  which  are  thine. 

God  of  Justice,  enter  not  into  judgment  with  our 
land  for  the  foul  impurity  which  covers  it.  If  thou 
wert  strict  to  mark  its  iniquity,  thou  wouldst  bring 
over  it  the  besom  of  desolation,  and  make  it  a  monu- 
ment of  reproach.  O  lead  us,  in  thy  mercy,  to  the 
use  of  such  measures  as  shall  subvert  the  dominion 
of  licentiousness,  and  establish  purity  of  heart, 
speech,  and  conduct.  Lord,  thou  knowest  whether 
the  means  which  have  been  employed,  by  social  and 
open  action,  for  the  suppression  of  that  destroying 
vice,  are  according  to  thy  holy  will.  If  they  are, 
O  give  them  abundant  success.  But  if  they  are  not, 
cause  them  to  be  laid  aside,  and  teach  thy  people 
what  they  m.ay  do  that  will  secure  thy  blessing. 
Correct,  elevate,  and  inform  public  opinion  in  rela- 
tion to  the  destroying  evils  of  lewdness.  Make  the 
libertine  a  scorn  and  reproach  in  every  society.  O 
preserve  those  that  are  still  pure ;  and  let  them  not 
go  down  the  pathways  of  disgrace  and  destruction. 
Cleanse  our  land  and  the  world  from  this  vile  leprosy 
which  destroys  health,  and  happiness,  and  virtue  : 
and  bring  over  it  a  reformation  that  shall  be  total 
abstinence  from  impurity  of  every  name. 

CHILDREN. 

Lord,  I  thank  thee  that  thou  dost  suffer  little  chil- 
dren to  come  unto  thee,  and  that  thou  dost  perfect 
praise  out  of  the  mouths  of  babes  and  sucklings.  I 
would  praise  thee  that  thy  saving  truth,  while  it  is 
fitted  to  fill  the  minds  of  angels  with  the  most  exalted 
knowledge,  can  be  learned,  and  understood,  and  felt 
by  children ;  and  that  many  such  have  known  its 
power,  and  have  spoken  in  their  feeble  accents  of  its 


37 


excellence  in  their  life  and  death,  and  are  now  enjoy- 
ing the  fruits  of  its  redemption  in  the  courts  above. 
Lord,  for  the  sake  of  the  compassionate  and  prevail- 
ing Redeemer,  increase  that  cloud  of  witnesses. 
May  many  remember  their  Creator  in  the  days  of 
their  youth,  and  increase  in  wisdom  and  in  favour 
with  God.  Be  thou  the  guide  of  their  youth,  and 
satisfy  them  early  with  thy  mercies,  that  they  may 
rejoice  and  be  glad  all  the  days  of  their  lives. 

God  of  Grace,  I  would  praise  thee  for  what  thou 
hast  done  and  art  doing,  through  the  labours  of  thy 
people,  for  the  rising  generation.  Multiply  the  num- 
ber and  increase  the  efficacy  of  these  efforts.  Ena- 
ble parents  to  make  an  unreserved  dedication  of 
their  offspring  to  the  Lord,  and  train  them  up  in  the 
way  they  should  go,  that  when  they  are  old,  they 
shall  not  depart  from  it.  May  all  who  have  any  in- 
fluence over  youth,  devote  their  most  zealous  labours 
that  they  may  be  made  wise  unto  salvation,  through 
the  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  And  grant,  I 
pray  thee,  that  thy  Church  may  regard  them  as  the 
hope  of  the  world,  and  bend  all  her  energies  of 
faith,  and  love,  and  zeal,  that  the  rising  generation 
may  be  brought  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord. 

Heavenly  Father,  incline  the  hearts  of  children  to 
fulfil  their  duties  to  their  parents.  Teach  them  that 
they  are  bound  by  the  laws  of  natural  affection,  and 
the  ties  of  gratitude,  to  honour  their  father  and  mo- 
ther— which  is  also  the  will  of  God,  and  the  first 
commandment  with  promise.  O,  how  often  are  the 
authority  and  peace  of  parents  disregarded  or  violated 
by  those  for  whom  they  have  spent  their  property, 
and  time,  and  anxieties;  and  to  whom  they  have 
looked  for  comfort  and  support  in  declining  age. 
4 


38 

Lord,  do  thou  make  every  child  feel  its  obHgations  to 
keeps  its  father's  commandment,  and  to  forsake  not 
the  law  of  its  mother ;  but  to  bind  them  continually 
upon  the  heart,  and  to  obey  them  in  reverence  and 
love. — [^See   Early    Piety,    Sabbath    Schools, 

YOUTH.J 

CHRISTMAS. 

Heavenly  Father,  assist  me  to  exercise  those  feel- 
ings of  grateful  devotion  which  are  suitable  to  this 
day  which  has  been  set  apart  by  so  many  of  thy  fol- 
lowers, in  memory  of  the  birth  of  thy  well  beloved 
Son.  Grant  me  enlarged  and  soul  moving  views  of 
all  that  relates  to  the  glorious  plan  of  salvation 
through  a  Redeemer. 

Unfold  to  my  mind,  I  beseech  thee,  the  deep  de- 
pravity and  lost  estate  into  which  our  guilty  race  had 
fallen.  The  whole  head  was  sick,  and  the  whole 
heart  faint:  and  from  the  sole  of  the  foot  even  unto 
the  head,  there  was  no  moral  soundness  in  it ;  but 
wounds  and  bruises  and  putrefying  sores !  All  flesh 
had  corrupted  its  way  upon  the  earth  ;  and  the  whole 
world  was  guilty  before  God.  Lord,  thou  wast  angry 
with  the  wicked  every  day :  thy  curse  was  in  their 
house ;  and  thy  wrath  treasured  up  for  them  perdi- 
tion in  the  day  of  thy  wrath.  O,  if  thou  hadst  not 
laid  help  upon  one  mighty  to  save,  all  men  would 
have  had  their  part  in  the  lake  that  burneth  with  fire 
and  brimstone,  which  is  the  second  death. 

Gracious  God,  make  me  sensible  of  that  love 
whereby  thou  didst  give  thine  only  begotten  Son,  that 
whosoever  believeth  on  him  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life — and  which  thou  hast  commend- 
ed to  us,  in  that  while  we  were  sinners,  Christ  died 
for  us.  Though  thou  hast  shown  thy  loving  kindness 


39 


in  the  works  of  creation  and  in  the  developments  of 
providence,  in  this  thou  hast  gathered  as  into  a  bright 
and  burning  centre,  the  matchless  proof  of  thy  good 
will  to  man.  O,  the  breadth  and  length  and  depth 
and  height  of  the  love  of  Christ,  which  passeth  know- 
ledge. 

Lord,  make  me  to  know  the  excellencies  of  Christ's 
glory,  and  the  depths  of  his  humiliation.  Though  he 
dwelt  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father  and  inhabited  the 
praises  of  eternity,  and  exercised  the  powers  of  the 
Godhead,  yet  he  took  upon  him  our  sinful  nature, 
was  born  in  a  low  condition,  made  under  the  law, 
undergoing  the  miseries  of  this  life,  the  wrath  of  God, 
and  the  cursed  death  of  the  cross;  and  was  buried,  and 
continued  under  the  power  of  death  for  a  time.  Teach 
me  that  he  was  thus  made  sin  for  me,  that  I  might 
be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  him. 

O  God,  show  me  that  though  he  thus  gave  his  life 
a  ransom  for  many,  still  there  is  none  who  can  have 
redemption  through  his  blood  without  the  convinc- 
ing, renewing  and  sanctifying  power  of  thy  grace. 
Lord,  make  me  know  my  sin  a/id  my  need  of  a  Sa- 
viour, dispose  me  to  turn  away  from  all  my  trans- 
gressions, and  to  lay  hold  of  the  hope  set  before  me 
in  the  gospel. 

Lord,  impress  on  my  heart  the  features  of  Christ's 
lovely  and  perfect  character.  May  I  learn  of  him 
who  was  meek  and  lowly,  kind  and  patient,  obedient 
and  forgiving,  wise  and  holy.  Let  the  same  mind 
which  was  in  him  be  also  in  me.  Show  me  that  he 
is  glorified  in  the  bodies  and  spirits  of  them  whom 
thou  has  given  to  him  ;  and  that  if  any  man  have  not 
the  spirit  of  Christ  he  is  none  of  his.  May  the  grace 
which  has  brought  salvation,  teach  me  to  deny  un- 
godliness and  to  work  righteousness,  that  his  image, 


40 

destroyed  by  the  fall,  may  be  renewed  in  me,  and 
that  the  life  also  of  Jesus  may  be  made  manifest  in 
my  mortal  flesh. 

God  of  Grace,  excite  my  faith  in  this  blessed  Sa- 
viour by  clear  visions  of  that  heavenly  glory  which 
he  has  prepared  for  those  that  love  him.  O,  thanks 
be  unto  thy  name,  thou  hast  not  only  redeemed  thy 
saints  from  the  fearful  penalties  of  guilt  and  the 
wretched  dominion  of  sin,  but  thou  hast  given  them 
thine  unfailing  promise,  that  they  shall  go  into  life 
eternal,  and  dwell  before  thy  throne,  and  serve  thee 
day  and  night  in  thy  temple.  Lord,  grant  that 
through  his  merits,  an  entrance  may  be  ministered 
unto  me  abundantly  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Merciful  Father,  persuade  the  ungodly,  who  are 
rejecting  the  Saviour,  that  without  his  atoning  righte- 
ousness their  souls  must  endure  the  perdition  of  eter- 
nal death ;  while  through  his  blood  they  may  have 
remission  of  sins,  and  an  inheritance  among  them 
that  are  sanctified.  Reconcile  them  unto  thyself 
through  him,  not  imputing  their  trespasses  unto  them. 
O  dispose  them  to  join  with  fulness  of  heart,  that 
heavenly  anthem  which  heralded  his  birth  in  our  na- 
ture— "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth 
peace,  good-will  toward  men." 

CHURCH. 

Great  Shepherd  of  Israel,  I  thank  thee  that  thou 
hast  established  thy  church  on  the  earth,  and  hast 
put  the  seal  of  thy  redeeming  grace  on  it,  and  hast 
promised  that  the  gales  of  hell  shall  not  prevail 
against  it.  I  would  praise  thee  that  he  who  is  thy 
fulness,  has  been  made  head  over  all  things  to  his 
church,  which  is  his  body,  and  which  he  has  re- 


41 

deemed  by  his  blood  out  of  every  kindred,  and 
tongue,  and  people,  and  nation. 

Lord,  dispose  me  to  sustain  all  the  relations  which 
I  bear  to  thy  heritage.  Suffer  me  not  to  withdraw, 
in  any  degree,  from  the  fellowship  of  the  saints,  in 
their  profession  of  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus.  Thou 
hast  commanded  that  fellowship  ;  thou  hast  adapted 
it  to  our  social  nature;  thou  hast  made  it  the  stream 
of  our  consolation,  the  wall  of  our  safety,  and  the 
field  of  our  usefulness. — May  I  love  to  seek  thy  face 
in  the  tabernacles  of  the  righteous,  and  worship  thee 
there  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  May  I  cherish  the  repu- 
tation, and  welcome  the  instructions,  and  encourage 
the  labours  of  those  whom  thou  hast  set  to  minister 
in  holy  things.  Lead  me,  O  Lord,  to  seek  the 
interest  of  thy  church  in  its  purity,  peace,  knowledge, 
and  universal  dominion. 

Lord,  cause  all  thy  people  to  strive  for  the  welfare 
of  Zion.  May  they  mourn  over  her  desolations,  and 
rejoice  when  her  righteousness  goes  forth  as  bright- 
ness, and  her  salvation  as  a  lamp  that  burneth. 
May  they  feel  deeply  humbled  at  their  want  of  per- 
sonal holiness,  and  at  their  neglect  in  extending  the 
blessings  of  salvation  to  a  perishing  world.  Let 
every  one  that  nameth  the  name  of  Christ,  depart 
from  iniquity.  May  the  sons  of  God  be  blameless, 
and  harmless,  and  without  rebuke,  in  the  midst  of  a 
crooked  and  perverse  generation  ;  among  whom  may 
they  shine,  as  lights  in  the  world,  holding  forth  the 
word  of  life.  Make  them  a  peculiar  people,  zealous 
of  good  works.  May  they  have  the  pleasure  of  see- 
ing thy  work  prospering  in  their  hands,  and  multi- 
tudes added  to  their  number,  of  such  as  shall  be 
saved.  Arise,  and  have  mercy  on  Zion  :  let  the  time 
to  favour  her,  yea,  the  set  time  come.  O,  King  of 
4* 


42 

Kings,  do  thou  marshal,  and  discipline,  and  sti-ength- 
en,  and  multiply  the  sacramental  host,  and  lead  it  on 
conquering  and  to  conquer,  until  the  kingdoms  of 
this  world  shall  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord 
and"  his  Christ,  and  he  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

COMMUNION  WITH  GOD. 

Gracious  God,  grant  that  I  may  hold  communion 
of  spirit  with  thee  the  Father  of  Spirits.  As  the 
hart  panteth  after  the  water  brooks,  so  may  my 
soul  pant  after  thee.  Draw  near  to  me,  in  thy 
mercy,  while  I  attempt  to  approach  thee;  and  do 
thou  manifest  thyself  unto  me,  as  thou  dost  not  unto 
the  world.  Cause  me  to  walk  with  thee,  as  did  thy 
saints  of  old  ;  and  for  this  end  teach  me  thy  will,  that 
I  may  acquaint  myself  with  thee,  and  be  at  peace. 
Shed  thy  grace  upon  my  heart,  and  cause  my  affec- 
tions to  be  fixed  on  thee,  as  the  highest  and  noblest 
object  of  love.  May  thy  works,  and  thy  word,  and 
all  the  means  of  grace,  be  always  channels  of  thy 
blessings  to  me,  and  motives  for  gratitude  and  obe- 
dience unto  thee. — Lord,  lift  thou  the  light  of  thy 
countenance  upon  me.  Make  thine  abode  with  me; 
and  let  my  heart  be  a  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Give  me  that  spirit  of  adoption  by  which  I  may  cry, 
*'  Abba,  Father."  May  I  be  persuaded  that  neither 
death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor 
powers,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall  be  able  to  sepa- 
rate me  from  thy  love  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 
Give  me  such  a  sense  of  pardoned  sin,  as  shall  fill 
me  with  holy  joys  and  strong  purposes  of  new  obe- 
dience to  thy  will.  Grant  me  in  these  seasons  of 
sweet  converse  with  thee,  those  blessings  which  are 
spiritual  in  their  nature,  satisfying  in  their  posses- 
sion, and  eternal  irj  their  continuance. 


43 


Lord,  vouchsafe  that  my  fellowship  with  thee  may 
be  sought  only  through  him  who  is  the  way,  the 
truth,  and  the  life  ;  for  no  man  cometh  unto  the  Fa- 
ther but  by  him.  Let  the  communion  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit  rest  upon  me,  and  abide  within  me,  now, 
henceforth,  and  for  ever. 

COMMUNION  OF  SAINTS. 

Heavenly  Father,  dispose  me,  in  gladness  and  sin- 
gleness of  heart,  to  keep  the  fellowship  of  the  saints. 
May  I  have  more  relish  for  their  company,  though 
they  may  be  poor  and  unhonoured,  than  for  fellow- 
ship with  those  who  are  lovers  of  pleasure  more  than 
lovers  of  God.  Make  my  communion  with  them, 
pleasant  and  profitable  to  my  soul.  May  I  feel  that 
we  are  all  children  of  the  same  parent ;  brethren  of 
the  same  family ;  subjects  of  the  same  discipline  of 
trials  and  duties ;  and  heirs  of  the  same  inheritance 
beyond  the  grave.  Incline  me  to  love  their  persons, 
their  character,  and  their  interests — rejoicing  with 
them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weeping  with  them  that 
weep — ministering  to  their  necessities — holding  con- 
verse with  them  in  the  grace  of  God — seeking  not  to 
please  myself,  but  bearing  their  infirmities  and  bur- 
dens— and  so  fulfilling  the  law  of  Christ,  who  hath 
given  us  a  new  commandment,  that  we  love  one 
another. 

COMPANY. 

Lord,  teach  me  that  my  habits  of  life  and  my 
reputation  will  be  determined  by  the  company  I 
keep.  Make  me  ever  mindful  that  evil  communica- 
tions are  full  of  corruption,  and  that  the  companion 
of  fools  shall  be  destroyed.  Make  me  holy,  harm- 
less, undefiled,  and  separate  from  sinners.     O  let  me 


44 


not  enter  the  path  of  tlie  wicked,  nor  follow  a  multi- 
tude to  do  evil.  But  when  I  am  called,  in  the  exer- 
cise of  social  or  religious  duties,  among  the  impeni- 
tent, enable  me  to  seek  by  kindness,  and  persuasion, 
and  example,  to  win  them  to  the  obedience  of  faith. 
Make  me,  O  Lord,  a  companion  of  them  that  fear 
thee  and  keep  thy  precepts.  May  I  desire  more  the 
fellowship  of  ihem  that  are  lowly  and  poor  in  spirit, 
than  of  those  who  are  rich  in  this  world's  goods, 
while  their  hearts  are  strangers  to  the  love  of  God. 
Preserve  me,  I  pray  thee,  from  every  unholy  associa- 
tion, and  lead  me  to  seek  the  communion  of  thy 
saints,  that  we  may  be  comforted  together  by  our 
mutual  faith. 

C0?»DESCE?fSI0N  OF  GOD. 

Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him  ; 
or  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him  ?  Thou  art 
infinite  in  all  thy  perfections,  and  needest  not  our 
praises  nor  services  to  increase  thy  happiness  and 
glory.  If  our  guilty  race  had  continued  even  as 
thou  didst  create  it,  (but  a  little  lower  than  the 
angels,)  we  must  have  praised  thee  foi»  thy  conde- 
scension in  nourishing  and  governing  us,;  but  now, 
that  we  have  lifted  the  arm  of  rebelhon  against  thee, 
and  have  steeped  our  souls  in  transgression,  how 
greatly  is  thy  condescension  magnilied  in  pursuing 
us  with  thy  mercies,  in  providing  for  our  wants,  in 
protecting  and  delivering  us  from  evil ;  and  above  all, 
in  offering  to  redeem  us  from  our  lost  estate  by  the 
sacrifice  of  thy  Son.  He,  who  knew  no  sin,  was 
made  sin  for  us,  that  we  might  be  made  the  right- 
eousness of  God  in  him.  He,  who  was  rich,  yet  for 
our  sakes  became  poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty 
might  be  made  rich.     He,  who  from  eternity  knew 


45 

no  pain,  sweat  great  drops  of  blood  and  suffered  un- 
speakable agony,  that  we  might  escape  the  wrath  to 
come — the  worm  that  never  dieth,  and  the  fire  that 
is  never  quenched.  O  help  me,  God  of  Grace,  to 
acknowledge  thine  undeserved  and  astonishing  mer- 
cy. May  it  draw  me  closer  to  thee  in  the  bonds 
of  love  and  confidence,  and  seal  me  for  thy  service, 
in  a  covenant  never  to  be  forsaken. 

CONFESSION. 

Holy  One  of  Israel,  help  me,  I  beseech  thee,  to 
confess  before  thee  my  unworthiness  and  ill-desert. 
To  whom  but  to  thee  should  I  go  with  the  recital  of 
my  transgressions  ;  for  it  is  against  thee,  thee  only, 
I  have  sinned.  Thou  hast  said  that  he  who  covereth 
his  sins  shall  not  prosper ;  while  he  who  confesseth 
and  forsaketh  them  shall  find  mercy.  If  I  say,  "  I 
have  no  sin,"  I  deceive  myself,  and  the  truth  is  not 
in  me ;  but  if  I  confess  my  sins,  thou  art  faithful  and 
just  to  forgive  them,  and  to  cleanse  me  from  all  un- 
righteousness. 

O  Lord,  I  hav6  sinned  against  thee  in  doing  what 
thou  hast  forbidden,  and  in  leaving  undone  what  thou 
hast  commanded.  I  have  transgressed  thy  law  and 
gospel,  in  thought,  word,  and  deed.  I  have  sinned 
in  childhood,  in  youth,  and  in  riper  years.  I  would 
acknowledge  with  shame  and  sorrow,  my  vanity 
and  selfishness,  my  pride  and  hypocrisy,  my  impa- 
tience and  unbelief,  my  self-indulgence  and  self- 
righteousness,  my  neglect  of  thy  service  and  glory, 
and  my  living  to  myself,  and  not  unto  thee.  How 
often  has  my  heart  rebelled  against  thy  wholesome 
discipline  in  affliction,  or  impiously  forgotten  thy 
dispensing  hand  in  the  enjoyment  of  mercies.  O,  I 
have  in  countless  instances,   backslidden  from  thy 


46 

love,  broken  my  covenants  with  thee,  and  brought 
dishonour  on  thy  name.  And  yet  such  has  been  the 
hardness  of  my  heart,  that  I  have  mourned  but  little 
over  such  transgressions. 

O  Lord,  these  my  sins  have  been  protracted 
through  long  years  which  thou  hast  crowned  with 
forbearance  and  mercy.  They  are  heavy  and  black 
with  enormous  guilt,  because  they  were  committed 
in  the  midst  of  light  and  knowledge.  My  transgres- 
sions are  more  numerous  than  the  hairs  of  my  head  ; 
and  if  thou  wert  strict  to  mark  one  in  a  thousand  of 
them,  I  could  not  stand  before  thee.  My  iniquities 
are  increased  over  my  head,  and  my  trespasses  are 
grown  up  to  the  heavens.  Lord,  I  am  vile ;  what 
shall  I  answer  thee?  I  will  lay  my  hand  upon  my 
mouth,  and  put  my  mouth  in  the  dust,  if  so  be  there 
may  be  hope.     God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner. 

CONFIDENCE  IN  GOD. 

O  Lord,  Jehovah,  thou  art  the  strength  of  all  that 
put  their  trust  in  thee.  Thou  art  boundless  in  wis- 
dom, omnipotent  in  power,  and  infinite  in  goodness. 
Thou  dost  not  withhold  any  good  thing  from  him 
that  walketh  uprightly.  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  per- 
fect peace  whose  mind  is  stayed  on  thee,  because  he 
trusteth  in  thee.  He  shall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by 
the  rivers  of  water ;  that  bringeth  forth  his  fruit  in 
his  season  ;  his  leaf  also  shall  not  wither.  Whatso- 
ever he  doeth  shall  prosper ;  and  the  end  of  that  man 
is  peace. 

Lord,  if  thou  art  my  light  and  salvation,  whom 
shall  I  fear?  If  thou  art  my  strength,  of  whom  shall 
I  be  afraid  ?  Enable  me,  I  pray  thee,  to  trust  in 
thee  with  all  my  heart ;  and  keep  me  from  leaning  on 
my  own  understanding.     May  I  cast  all  my  cares 


47 


upon  thee  in  perils,  in  wants,  in  losses,  in  griefs,  in 
sickness,  and  in  death.  Cause  me  to  hear  thy  voice 
in  every  variety  of  tribulation,  saying  unto  me, 
*'  What  I  do  thou  knowest  not  now,  but  thou  shalt 
know  hereafter."  I  would  remember  that  oft  when 
I  said,  "  My  foot  slippeth,"  thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  held 
me  up.  In  the  day  when  I  cried,  thou  didst  answer 
and  strengthen  me.  May  the  memory  of  thy  past 
goodness,  the  possession  of  present  joys,  and  the  tes- 
timonies of  thy  promises  persuade  me,  that  though 
the  mountains  depart  and  the  hills  be  removed,  thy 
kindness  doth  not  depart  from  thee,  neither  is  the 
covenant  of  thy  peace  removed. 

God  of  Israel,  inspire  thy  people  with  unlimited 
and  unwavering  reliance  on  thy  character,  dealings, 
and  purposes.  May  they  learn  that  the  word  of  the 
Lord  endureth  for  ever.  Let  them  not  cast  away 
their  confidence,  which  hath  great  recompense  of  re- 
ward. As  thou  didst  not  withhold  thine  own  Son, 
but  didst  deliver  him  up  for  them,  O  cause  them  to 
hope  that  with  him  thou  wilt  freely  give  them  all 
things.  Lord,  let  them  never  forget  that  thou 
makest  all  things  work  together  for  good  to  them 
that  love  thee.  Although  the  fig-tree  may  not  blos- 
som, neither  fruit  be  in  the  vines  ;  the  labour  of  the 
olive  fail,  and  the  fields  yield  no  meat ;  the  flock  be 
cut  off  from  the  fold,  and  there  be  no  herd  in  the 
stalls — yet  may  they  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and  joy  in 
the  God  of  their  salvation. 

CONSCIENCE. 

God  of  Judgment,  I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
given  me  an  inward  monitor,  to  warn  me  against 
iniquity,  and  to  smite  me  when  I  transgress.  Ena- 
ble me,  I  pray  thee,  to  nourish  and  culture  this  plant 


48 

of  thy  hand.  Show  me  that  my  happiness  and  wel- 
fare, and  the  enjoyment  of  thy  Hfe-giving  counte- 
nance, will  depend  on  the  activity,  strength,  and 
purity  of  my  conscience.  May  thy  will,  as  exhibited 
in  thy  word,  be  the  supreme  rule  of  its  actings.  May 
thy  Spirit  cleanse  it  from  error  and  sin,  and  animate  it 
with  right  knowledge  and  holy  power.  Lord,  give  it 
peace  through  the  justifying  merits  of  Jesus  Christ, 
and  purge  it  from  dead  works  to  serve  the  living  God. 
Make  it  tender  and  watchful,  and  a  faithful  index  of 
thy  sovereign  will,  that  it  may  be  void  of  offence 
towards  God  and  man. 

Lord,  stimulate  and  give  a  wholesome  vigour  to 
the  conscience  of  all  men.  May  it  exercise  a  con- 
trolling and  righteous  influence  over  their  inmost 
thoughts  and  their  outward  actions.  Teach  them 
that  though  they  may  turn  away  from  its  testimonies, 
and  stifle  its  chidings,  yet  there  is  a  day  coming 
when,  if  they  continue  impenitent,  it  will  rise  up  in 
judgment  against  them  ;  when  he  that  sitteth  upon  the 
throne  will  confirm  its  testimony,  by  pronouncing 
the  verdict  "  Depart,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire, 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels." 

CONSISTENCY. 

Enable  me,  O  Lord,  through  the  grace  of  Jesus, 
to  follow  thee  fully.  May  I  act  in  all  things,  worthy 
of  the  vocation  wherewith  1  am  called,  and  strive  to 
be  of  those  who  by  patient  continuance  in  well-doing 
seek  eternal  life.  Thou  art  entitled  to  my  full- 
hearted  and  consistent  obedience.  O  may  that 
obedience  be  without  reserve  and  without  hypocrisy. 
Let  me  not  call  thee  "  Lord,  Lord,"  and  yet  do  not 
the  things  which  thou  sayest.  Make  my  walk  the 
index  of  my  heart,  and  make  my  heart  right  in  thy 


49 

sight.  Give  me  oil  for  my  lamp,  that  when  the 
Bridegroom  cometh,  I  may  go  forth  in  joy  to  meet 
him.  May  I  remember  that  he  who  gathereth  not 
with  thee,  scattereth  abroad.  Let  me  never  do  evil 
that  good  may  come.  When  I  would  do  good,  let 
not  evil  be  present  with  me:  let  not  the  law  in  my 
members  war  against  the  law  of  my  mind,  and 
bring  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  sin.  I  beseech 
thee  to  give  me  strength  to  cleave  to  thy  service  stead- 
fastly in  penury  and  in  plenty,  in  persecution  and  in 
peace.  May  my  light  shine  in  evil  report  and  in 
good  report.  And,  O  Lord,  let  it  be  as  the  path  of 
the  just  which  shineth  more  and  more  unto  the  per- 
fect day. 

CONTENTMENT. 

Great  Sovereign  of  heaven  and  earth,  thou  art 
infinitely  wise  and  good  in  all  the  allotments  of  thy 
providence.  I  pray  thee  teach  me  in  whatever  state 
I  am  therewith  to  be  content.  Keep  me,  O  Lord, 
from  envy,  from  avarice,  from  ambition,  from 
anxiety,  and  from  murmuring.  May  I  remember 
it  was  discontent  that  brought  death  into  the  world, 
and  all  its  woes.  Make  me  content  with  such  things 
as  I  have ;  for  thou  hast  said  thou  wilt  never  leave 
nor  forsake  me,  if  I  put  my  trust  in  thee.  May  mine 
be  the  prayer  of  Agur — "  Give  me  neither  poverty 
nor  riches ;  lest  I  be  fiill,  and  deny  thee ;  or  be  poor, 
and  steal,  and  take  thy  name  in  vain."  Let  me  not 
forget  that  the  love  of  money  is  the  root  of  evil. 
They  who  will  be  rich  fall  into  many  foolish  and 
hurtful  lusts,  which  drown  men  in  destruction  and 
perdition.  Make  my  soul  satisfied  in  the  midst  of 
losses  and  afflictions.  May  I  be  ever  ready  to  say — 
5 


50 


"  The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  taketh  away :  blessed 
be  the  name  of  the  Lord." 

Heavenly  Father,  discipline  me  so  by  thy  grace, 
that  I  shall  be  careful  for  nothing,  but  in  all  things, 
by  prayer  and  supplication,  make  known  my  re- 
quests unto  thee.  Let  me  not  trust  in  uncertain 
riches,  but  in  the  living  God,  who  giveth  me  all 
things  richly  to  enjoy.  Show  me  that  human  hap- 
piness consists  not  in  the  abundance  of  worldly  trea- 
sure, but  in  godliness,  which  with  contentment  is 
great  gain.  I  am  not  worthy  of  the  least  of  thy 
mercies ;  wherefore  then  should  1  complain  ?  I 
brought  nothing  into  the  world,  and  I  can  carry 
nothing  out ;  let  me  therefore  look  not  at  things 
which  are  seen  and  temporal,  but  at  things  which 
are  not  seen  and  that  are  eternal.  May  thy  great 
and  precious  promises  give  me  more  comfort  than 
the  wicked  have  when  their  corn  and  wine  do  most 
abound.  Induce  me,  O  Lord,  to  seek  my  portion 
where  the  righteous  obtain  joy  and  gladness,  and 
where  murmuring  and  sorrow  shall  flee  away  for 
ever. 

CONTRITION. 

O  thou  that  hearest  and  answerest  prayer,  grant 
me,  for  Chri^;l's  sal<e,  that  contrite  heart,  which  in 
thy  sight  is  of  ii,reat  price.  Show  me  my  guilt,  as 
committed  against  thee,  my  Maker,  Governor,  and 
Benefactor.  Lead  me  to  abhor  myself,  and  to  re- 
pent in  dust  and  ashes.  May  I  look  on  him  whom 
I  have  pierced,  and  mourn,  and  be  in  bitterness. 
Lord,  I  would  acknowledge  my  transgressions :  O 
may  my  sins  be  ever  before  me.  I  thank  thee  for  thy 
promise,  that  thou  wilt  dwell  with  him  that  is  of  an 
humble  and  contrite  heart.     Prepare  my  heart  for 


51 


lliine  abode.  According  unto  the  multitude  of  thy 
tender  mercies,  blot  out  all  my  transgressions.  Cre- 
ate within  me  a  clean  heart,  and  renew  a  right 
spirit  within  me.  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy 
salvation,  and  uphold  me  by  thy  free  Spirit :  then 
will  I  teach  transgressors  thy  ways,  and  sinners 
shall  be  converted  unto  thee. 

CoNVEKSATioN. — See  Tongue, 

CONVERSION. 

Lord,  I  would  come  to  thee,  in  the  name  of  Christ, 
that  I  may  learn  the  necessity,  the  nature,  and  the 
fruits  of  regeneration.  O  wilt  thou  fasten  on  my 
mind,  abiding  convictions  that  the  carnal  mind  is  at 
enmity  against  thee,  and  that  all  mankind  are  by 
nature  the  children  of  wrath,  and  receive  not  the 
things  of  the  Spirit,  for  they  are  foolishness  to  them  ; 
neither  can  they  learn  them,  for  they  are  spiritually 
discerned.  Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot 
see  the  kingdom  of  God. 

Show  me,  O  Lord,  that  if  any  man  be  in  Christ 
Jesus  he  is  a  new  creature :  old  things  are  passed 
away  ;  all  things  are  become  new.  He  has  put  on 
the  new  man,  which  is  renewed  in  knowledge,  after 
the  image  of  him  who  created  him,  in  righteousness 
and  true  holiness.  It  is  thou,  God  of  Mercy,  who 
workest  in  such  to  will  and  to  do,  of  thine  own  good 
pleasure;  not  by  works  which  they  have  done,  but 
according  to  thy  mercy,  by  the  washing  of  regenera- 
tion, and  the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  They 
are  born,  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of 
God,  who  only  giveth  repentance  unto  life,  and  the 
earnest  of  that  Spirit  whereby  they  are  sealed  until 
the  day  of  redemption. 


52 

Teach  me,  O  Lord,  that  they  who  have  been  born 
from  above  bring  forth  fruits,  meet  for  repentance : 
that  they  add  to  faith  virtue,  knowledge,  temperance, 
patience,  godh'ness,  brotherly  kindness,  and  charity : 
and  that  these,  abounding  in  them,  cause  them  that 
they  be  neither  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge 
of  the  Saviour.  They  are  made  free  from  sin,  and 
have  become  servants  unto  God,  having  their  fruit 
unto  holiness,  and  the  end  everlasting  life. 

Blessed  Saviour,  give  me  evidence  in  my  heart  and 
conduct,  that  I  have  passed  from  death  unto  life  ;  that 
having  been  convinced  of  my  sin  and  misery,  I  have 
had  my  mind  enlightened  in  the  knowledge  of  thee, 
my  will  renewed,  and  have  been  persuaded  and  ena- 
bled to  embrace  thee,  as  thou  art  freely  offered  in  the 
Gospel.  Let  me  not  be  satisfied  with  the  form  of 
godliness,  without  its  life-giving  power.    Search  me, 

0  Lord,  and  try  me ;  and  see  if  there  be  any  evil 
way  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting.  Cre- 
ate in  me  a  new  heart  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within 
me.  Grant  me  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  enable  me 
to  look  forward  with  a  rejoicing  hope  to  an  inheri- 
tance among  them  that  are  sanctified.  Vouchsafe 
unto  me,  I  pray  thee,  the  testimony  of  thy  Spirit,  that 

1  have  been  redeemed  by  thy  grace.  O,  if  thou  hast 
begun  a  good  work  in  me,  continue  it  unto  the  end ; 
and  let  thy  grace  be  in  me  as  a  well  of  living  water, 
springing  up  into  everlasting  life. 

Lord,  convince  the  impenitent  of  sin,  of  righteous- 
ness and  of  judgment.  Thou  hast  no  pleasure  in  the 
death  of  him  that  dieth,  and  thou  art  not  willing  that 
any  should  perish,  but  that  all  should  come  to  re- 
pentance. O  lead  many  to  inquire  what  they  must 
do  to  be  saved.  May  thy  law  be  a  schoolmaster  to 
bring  them  to  Christ,  that  they  may  be  justified  by 


5:i 


faith.  Persuade  them  to  believe  in  that  only  name 
by  which  sinners  can  be  saved.  May  they  be  born 
again,  notofcorruptible  seed,  butofincorruptible  ;  by 
the  word  of  God,  which  liveth  and  abideth  for  ever. 

COURAGE. 

Lord,  enable  me  to  add  to  faith  christian  fortitude. 
May  T  endure  hardness,  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus 
Christ.  Give  me  grace  to  encounter  and  subdue  the 
corruptions  of  my  own  heart ;  and  in  that  conflict  be- 
tween the  flesh  and  the  spirit,  may  I  come  off  more 
than  conqueror  through  him  that  hath  loved  me. — 
Strengthen  me  that  I  may  resist  the  allurements  of  a 
world  lying  in  iniquity,  and  that  I  may  strive  against 
the  fear  of  man  ;  remembering  that  whosoever  will 
deny  Jesus  before  men,  shall  be  denied  by  him  before 
the  Father  in  heaven.  May  I  always  be  ready  to 
answer  every  man  that  asketh  me  a  reason  of  the 
hope  that  is  in  me. — Make  me  strong  in  the  power  of 
thy  might;  fori  am  not  called  to  wrestle  against  flesh 
and  blood  merely,  but  against  principalities  and  pow- 
ers, against  spiritual  wickednesses  in  high  places. 
Great  Captain  of  Salvation,  give  me  the  girdle  of  truth, 
the  breast-plate  of  righteousness,  the  shield  of  faith, 
the  helmet  of  salvation,  and  the  sword  of  the  Spirit; 
and  having  thus  the  whole  armour  of  God,  may  I  be 
able  to  withstand  in  the  evil  day,  and  having  done  all 
to  stand. 

COVENANT. 

Adorable  Jehovah,  I  would  praise  thee  that,  in  thy 
sovereign  mercy,  thou  didst  from  eternity  enter  into 
a  covenant  of  grace,  to  deliver  men  out  of  their  estate 
of  sin  and  misery,  and  to  bring  them  into  an  estate 
of  salvation  by  a  Redeemer.  Lord,  make  with  me 
5* 


64 

this  everlasting  covenant,  even  the  sure  mercies  of 
David.  Call  me  with  a  holy  calling ;  not  according 
to  works,  but  according  to  thy  purpose,  which  was 
given  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  beo;an ;  but 
has  now  been  made  manifest  by  his  appearing,  who 
hath  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light  through 
thy  gospel :  and  in  whom  we  have  redemption, 
through  his  blood.  O  bind  me  to  thee  in  the  adop- 
tion of  thy  children,  wherein  thou  makest  them  ac- 
cepted in  the  Beloved.  Put  thy  law  into  my  mind, 
and  write  it  in  my  heart ;  and  be  my  God,  that  I  may 
be  of  thy  people,  chosen  according  to  thy  covenant 
of  grace.  Make  my  heart  and  life  abundant  in  the 
fruits  of  that  holy  relation.  Let  me  not  forsake  thy 
love,  nor  turn  from  thy  ways,  but  press  on  towards 
the  mark  for  the  prize  of  that  high  calling  which  is 
in  Christ  Jesus. 

Merciful  God,  regard  with  compassion  those  who 
are  aliens  from  the  commonwealth  of  Israel,  and 
strangers  to  the  covenants  of  promise.  Make  them 
feel  the  deep  and  radical  depravity  of  their  hearts. 
Convince  them  of  sin,  as  committed  against  a  holy 
God.  Show  them  the  danger  to  which  they  are  ex- 
posed while  they  rellise  to  forsake  their  transgressions. 
Exhibit  to  them  Christ  crucified,  as  him  by  whom 
alone  they  can  escape  from  the  dominion,  the  guilt 
and  the  retribution  of  their  sins.  O  may  thy  Spirit 
give  them  grace  to  receive  and  rest  upon  him  for  par- 
don and  acceptance.  And  grant  that  they  may  enjoy 
a  union  with  him  as  close  and  fruittlil  as  the  branch 
which  abideth  in  the  vine. 

COVETOUSNESS. 

Preserve  me,  Great  Helper,  from  the  vice  of  covet- 
ousness,  which  is  idolatry.    O  let  me  not  worship 


55 


filthy  lucre  instead  of  the  living  God.  May  I  remem- 
ber the  judgment  of  the  valley  of  Achor,  on  him  who 
coveted  forbidden  spoil ;  and  the  swift  destruction  of 
them  that  kept  back  part  of  the  price,  and  agreed  to- 
gether to  tempt  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.  Let  me  not 
dishonour  my  faith  in  thee,  nor  blight  my  spiritual 
comlbrt,  nor  bring  disgrace  on  thy  cause  in  the  eyes 
of  the  world  by  indulging  in  this  wickedness.  Give 
me  full  contentment  with  my  own  condition,  and  a 
right  and  charitable  frame  of  spirit  towards  my 
neighbour  and  all  that  is  his.  Banish  from  my  mind 
all  discontentment  with  my  own  estate;  all  envying 
and  grieving  at  the  good  of  my  neighbour,  and  all  in- 
ordinate emotions  and  affections  to  any  thing  that  is 
his. 

Help  me,  O  Lord,  to  overcome  the  love  of  the 
world.  May  I  seek  thy  favour  as  the  chief  good  of 
life,  and  say  in  my  heart — "  there  is  none  on  earth  I 
desire  beside  thee."  Lead  me  to  look  with  the  eye 
of  benevolence  on  the  wants  of  my  fellow  creatures  ; 
and  in  supplying  them,  as  thou  hast  prospered  me,  to 
find  that  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive. 
Let  me  not  seek  to  lay  up  treasures  on  earth,  but  in 
heaven,  where  moth  and  rust  do  not  corrupt,  and 
where  thieves  cannot  break  through  and  steal. 

Lord,  redeem  thy  church  from  this  vice,  which  has 
spotted  her  garments  and  tainted  her  blood  and  crip- 
pled her  energies.  How  long.  Blessed  Saviour,  shall 
Ihey  who  have  covenanted  to  be  thine,  bow  the  knee 
at  the  golden  shrine  of  mammon?  Show  them  that 
covetousness  degrades  their  immortal  nature,  breaks 
thy  holy  law,  and  is  the  fruitful  source  of  manifold 
iniquity.  Keep  them  from  those  graspings  of  ava- 
rice, those  daring  speculations  and  greedy  monopolies 
which  are  the  offspring  of  pride  and  the  fountains  of 


56 

misery.  May  they  thus  judge,  that  if  Christ  has 
bought  them  by  his  own  precious  blood,  they  should 
not  live  for  themselves,  but  for  him.  Excite  thy  peo- 
ple, O  Lord,  to  active  and  unwearying  benevolence. 
As  thou  hast  made  them  the  stewards  of  thy  multi- 
plied mercies,  let  none  forget  to  do  good  and  to  com- 
municate ;  for  with  such  sacrifices  thou  art  well  pleas- 
ed. May  they  cease  to  do  evil  and  learn  to  do  well  ,* 
and  labour  not  for  the  meat  that  perisheth,  but  for 
that  which  endureth  unto  everlasting  life. 

CREATION. 

Great  Builder  of  the  Universe,  in  the  beginning  thou 
didst  make  the  heaven  and  the  earth ;  and  by  thee 
were  all  things  created,  that  are  in  heaven  and  earth, 
whether  they  be  thronfis  or  dominions,  or  principali- 
ties, or  powers.  Thou  didst  speak,  and  it  was  done  : 
thou  didst  command,  and  it  stood  fast. — Lord,  thou 
didst  make  man  in  thine  own  image,  in  knowledge, 
righteousness  and  holiness,  with  dominion  over  the 
creatures.  But  man  being  in  honour  abode  not.  He 
fell  from  that  holy  and  happy  estate,  in  which  he  was 
created,  by  sinning  against  God ;  and  now  all  that 
dwell  upon  the  face  of  the  earth  are  by  nature  the 
children  of  wrath:  yea,  the  whole  creation  groaneth 
and  travaileth  in  pain  because  of  transgression.  O 
God,redeemthe  works  of  thy  power  from  their  degene- 
racy. May  this  earth  be  renewed  with  the  beauty  of 
Eden.  Breathe  thou  into  man  the  breath  of  life,  and 
make  him  a  new  creature  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Lord,  assist  me  to  acknowledge  thy  power,  wis- 
dom and  goodness  as  they  are  shown  in  the  works  of 
thy  hands.  Day  unto  day  utterclh  speech  concerning 
thee,  and  night  unto  night  bringeth  forth  knowledge 
of  thee :  yea,  all  thy  works  praise  thee.     O  let  my 


57 


tongue  and  my  soul  join  the  chorus  of  creation,  and 
praise  thee  in  songs  of  rejoicing  and  in  newness  of 
life. 


Blessed  Lord,  make  me  ever  mindful  of  the  truth, 
that  it  is  appointed  unto  all  men  once  to  die.  Thou 
canst  wound  and  kill,  and  there  is  none  to  deliver 
out  of  thy  hand.  Thou  hast  determined  our  days, 
and  appointed  the  bounds  of  our  habitations.  O  lead 
me  to  consider  my  latter  end,  and  teach  me  to  num- 
ber my  days,  that  I  may  apply  my  heart  unto  wis- 
dom. Make  me  to  know  my  end,  and  the  measure  of 
my  days,  that  I  may  learn  how  frail  I  am.  Lord, 
what  is  my  life?  It  is  a  vapour  that  appeareth  for  a 
little  while,  and  then  vanisheth  away. 

Teach  me,  thou  source  of  wisdom,  that  death  is  the 
great  crisis  of  my  being,  which  will  determine  my 
destiny  for  ever.  He  whom  it  finds  unjust  and  filthy, 
shall  be  unjust  and  filthy  still :  and  he  whom  it  finds 
righteous  and  holy  shall  be  righteous  and  holy  still. 
Lord,  let  me  pass  the  time  of  my  sojourning  here  in 
fear,  seeking  to  be  ready  for  its  solemn  message ; 
for  in  such  an  hour  as  we  think  not,  the  Son  of  Man 
Cometh.  Whatsoever,  therefore,  my  hand  findeth  to 
do,  may  I  do  it  with  my  might ;  since  there  is  no 
work,  nor  device,  nor  knowledge,  nor  wisdom  in  the 
grave  whither  I  go.  Let  me  not  fear  them  that  can 
kill  the  body,  but  are  not  able  to  kill  the  soul ;  but 
rather  fear  him  who  is  able  to  destroy  both  soul  and 
body  in  hell,  which  is  the  second  death. 

Lord,  train  me  to  such  habits  of  obedience  to  thy 
will,  and  trust  in  thy  dealings,  and  faith  in  thy  prom- 
ises, that  while  I  look  upon  the  earthly  house  of  this 
tabernacle  as  one  that  must  be  dissolved,  I  may  re«. 


58 


joice  in  the  hope,  that  I  shall  have  a  building  of  God, 
a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 
When  I  am  called  to  walk  through  the  valley  of 
the  shadow  of  death,  be  thou  my  rod  and  staff  to  com- 
fort me :  and  when  my  heart  and  flesh  fail,  be  thou 
the  strength  of  my  heart  and  my  portion  for  ever. 
Lord,  let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  let 
my  last  end  be  like  his. 

Look  in  mercy,  I  pray  thee,  on  those  who  are  en- 
compassed by  the  sorrows  of  death.  Prepare  them 
for  their  solemn  and  awful  change.  If  they  have 
made  their  peace  with  thee,  through  the  blood  of 
Christ,  comfort  them  and  give  them  blessed  foretastes 
of  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  But  if  they  have  not,  O 
bring  them  by  thy  saving  power  into  thy  covenant  of 
grace. 

O  thou  who  didst  weep  at  the  tomb  of  Lazarus, 
comfort  those  who  mourn  for  the  loss  of  cherished 
friends.  May  they  kiss  thy  rod  ;  and  if  it  be  consist- 
ent with  the  life  or  death  of  the  departed,  let  them 
not  sorrow  as  those  who  have  no  hope,  but  look  for- 
ward to  that  hour,  when  the  hand  that  now  has  riven 
will  restore  their  fellowship,  and  make  it  pure  as  the 
light  and  lasting  as  the  days  of  heaven. 

DECISION. 

Almighty  God,  help  me  to  resolve  to  be  thine, 
wholly  thine,  in  the  bonds  of  an  everlasting  covenant. 
Let  me  not  halt  between  two  opinions,  but  choose 
now  to  serve  the  living  and  true  God,  with  all  my 
heart,  and  soul,  and  mind,  and  strength.  O  let  me 
not  harden  my  heart,  nor  provoke  thy  wrath,  by  put- 
ting off  to  a  more  convenient  season  the  things  which 
belong  to  my  everlasting  peace.  May  1  learn  that 
now  is  thine  accepted  time  for  the  discharge  of  duty, 


59 

and  this  the  day  of  that  salvation  which  makes  thy 
saints  willing  subjects  of  thy  power.  There  are  no 
neutrals  in  thy  dominion  :  he  who  is  not  with  thee  is 
against  thee.  Lord,  make  me  not  only  almost,  but 
altogether  a  christian.  May  thy  word  and  provi- 
dence and  Spirit  inspire  me  with  energy  of  purpose 
to  do  thy  pleasure.  Whatsoever  I  do  may  I  do  it 
heartily,  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  to  men.  O  make 
me  steadfast,  unmoveable,  always  abounding  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord ;  for  we  know  that  our  labour  is 
not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

DEPENDENCE. 

My  soul,  wait  thou  only  upon  God ;  for  my  ex- 
pectation is  from  him.  Teach  me.  Giver  of  Mercies, 
my  absolute  and  continual  dependence  on  thee  for  life, 
and  breath,  and  all  things.  Thou  didst  make  me  by 
the  word  of  thy  power,  and  I  live  every  moment  at 
the  expense  of  thy  bounty.  I  am  full  of  wants,  with- 
out any  ability  in  myself  to  supply  them.  I  am  a 
creature  of  yesterday;  my  breath  is  in  my  nostrils ; 
and  I  am  crushed  before  the  moth.  I  know  not  what 
a  day  may  bring  forth :  I  cannot  add  one  cubit  to  my 
stature ;  nor  make  one  hair  of  my  head  white  or 
black.  Grant  me,  I  pray  thee,  such  an  abiding  con- 
viction of  my  subjection  to  thee  as  shall  keep  me 
from  resting  on  an  arm  of  flesh,  and  lead  me  to  trust 
in  the  living  God.  Li  the  hour  of  prosperity  let  me 
not  forget  that  thou  art  the  giver  of  every  good  and 
perfect  gift:  and  in  the  season  of  affliction  show  me 
that  thou  canst  comfort  me  on  every  side — canst 
make  my  wilderness  as  Eden,  and  my  desert  as  the 
garden  of  the  Lord.  Make  me  realize  that  in  all  my 
efforts  to  do  good,  either  to  myself  or  others,  I  must 
depend  on  thee.  Thou  only  givest  the  increase.  But 


60 

blessed  be  thy  name,  thy  Spirit  helpeth  my  infirmi- 
ties ;  and  thy  strength  is  made  perfect  in  my  weak- 
ness. 

Assist  me  by  thy  grace,  in  all  the  vicissitudes  of 
life,  to  feel  that  thou  art  a  present  help  in  every  hour 
of  need.  When  toil  and  care,  fears  and  trials  en- 
compass me,  lead  me  to  thee  with  whom  alone  dwell- 
eth  that  peace  which  passeth  understanding ;  and  do 
thou  guide  me  into  green  pastures  and  beside  still 
waters ;  and  let  thy  banner  over  me  be  love.  And 
grant,  O  Lord,  that  when  1  am  called  to  struggle 
with  the  king  of  terrors,  thy  grace  may  be  sufficient 
for  me,  and  that  I  may  be  made  glad  in  the  hope  of 
eternal  life. 

Depravity. — See  Human  Depravity. 

DILIGENCE. 

Lord,  quicken  thou  me  in  thy  way.  Make  me 
diligent  in  thy  work,  continuing  instant  in  prayer,  re- 
deeming the  time,  because  the  days  are  evil.  Grant, 
that  in  every  duty  I  may  be  active,  watchful  and 
persevering ;  for  no  man  having  put  his  hand  to  the 
plough,  and  looking  back,  is  fit  for  the  kingdom  of 
God.  Let  not  mine  be  the  doom  of  that  servant  who 
hid  his  master's  talent  in  the  earth :  let  me  not  be 
slothful  in  business,  but  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the 
Lord.  Suffer  me  not  to  rely  on  the  memory  of  past 
experience,  nor  on  the  hope  of  future  obedience ;  but 
whatsoever  my  hand  findeth  to  do,  give  me  zeal  to  do 
it  with  my  might.  O  give  me  the  spirit  of  diligence 
in  every  work  of  faith  and  labour  of  love  ;  remember- 
ing my  accountability  to  thee,  the  importance  of  the 
trusts  thou  hast  reposed  in  me,  the  shortness  of  hu- 
man life,  and  the  abundant  rewards  thou  hast  promis- 


61 


ed  to  them  who  are  faithful  in  thy  service.  Lord, 
enable  me  to  lay  aside  every  weight,  and  the  sin 
which  doth  so  easily  beset  me,  and  rmi  with  patience 
the  race  that  is  set  before  me ;  looking  unto  Jesus, 
the  author  and  finisher  of  faith,  and  pressing  toward 
the  mark,  for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God, 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Lord,  rebuke  the  sloth  of  thy  covenant-people. 
Give  them  a  spirit  of  active  energy  in  all  that  relates 
to  the  sanctification  of  their  own  hearts,  the  saving 
health  of  thy  church,  and  the  conversion  of  sinners. 
Yet  do  thou  make  them  feel  that  while  they  strive 
with  all  their  vigour  in  the  obedience  of  faith,  it  is 
thou  that  workest  all  in  all. 

DOUBTS. 

Merciful  Father,  preserve  me  from  a  doubtful 
mind.  Let  not  disease  of  body,  nor  affliction  of 
mind,  disquiet  my  soul  within  me.  Let  not  igno- 
rance nor  error  intrude  on  my  comfort  in  the  hope 
of  the  gospel.  Let  not  Satan  unsettle  my  trust  in 
thy  covenant  of  mercy.  And  O,  suflier  not  sin,  in 
any  form,  to  bring  a  cloud  over  the  light  of  thy 
countenance  and  the  joys  of  thy  salvation. — O  thou 
that  givest  rest  to  the  weary  and  heavy-laden,  show 
me  that  thy  mercy  endureth  for  ever.  Teach  me 
that  thou  art  merciful  and  gracious,  long-suffering 
and  abundant  in  goodness.  Lead  me,  I  pray  thee, 
in  every  feeling  of  despondency,  to  that  throne  from 
which  thou  givest  grace  to  help  in  every  season  of 
trial.  Dissipate  my  fears,  and  give  me  an  assurance 
of  an  interest  in  thy  favour,  and  of  acceptance  in 
thy  sight,  through  the  righteousness  of  Christ. 
Grant  me  thy  blessed  Comforter,  that  I  may  have 
joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  Cheer  me  by  thy  gracious 
6 


62 

promises,  which  are  Yea  and  Amen  in  Christ  Jesus, 
Give  me,  O  Lord,  beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for 
mourning,  and  the  garments  of  praise  for  the  spirit 
of  heaviness.  Let  my  Hght  rise  in  my  obscurity, 
and  my  darkness  be  as  the  noon  day.  Cause  thy 
righteousness  to  go  before  me,  and  thy  glory  to  be 
my  rereward. 

DUTY. 

Eternal  God,  O  may  my  daily  and  hourly  inquiry 
be,  "  What  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?"  Instruct  me 
that  the  duty  which  thou  requirest  of  me  is  obedience 
to  thy  revealed  will.  Help  me,  I  pray  thee,  to  dis- 
charge all  my  obligations  to  thee,  to  myself  and  to 
my  fellow  creatures. 

May  I  love  thee  with  all  my  soul,  and  mind,  and 
strength,  and  heart.  Dispose  me  to  submit  to  thy 
will;  to  love  thy  character;  to  trust  in  thy  name; 
and  to  fear  thine  excellent  greatness.  May  I  regard 
thee  as,  through  Christ,  the  object  of  prayer,  and 
the  rewarder  of  them  who  diligently  seek  thee.  Help 
me,  I  pray  thee,  to  worship  thee,  who  art  a  Spirit, 
in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

Lord,  enable  me,  by  thy  Spirit,  to  do  my  duty  to 
myself.  May  I  exercise  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  repentance  unto  life ;  and  make  a  diligent 
use  of  all  the  outward  and  ordinary  means  whereby 
Christ  communicates  unto  us  the  benefits  of  redemp- 
tion. May  I  work  out  my  salvation  with  fear  and 
trembling,  knowing  that  it  is  God  that  worketh  in 
me,  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  own  good  pleasure. 

Assist  me,  O  Lord,  to  perform  all  the  duties, 
social,  civil,  and  religious,  which  I  owe  to  my  fellow 
creatures.  May  my  conduct  to  them  be  governed 
by  that  spirit  of  charity  which  excludes  anger,  re- 


63 

venge,  censoriousness,  prejudice,  injury,  and  oppres- 
sion. Make  me  averse  to  injure  the  feelings,  per- 
sons, property  and  character  of  any.  May  1  delight 
in  the  happiness  of  others.  Make  my  heart  a  well- 
spring  of  sympathy,  compassion  and  liberality  ;  and 
lead  me  to  spend  cheerfully  my  property,  my  time, 
and,  if  needs  be,  my  life,  in  works  of  mercy  and  jus- 
tice. Enable  me  to  fulfil  all  my  relations  as  a  supe- 
ror,  an  inferior,  and  an  equal. 

Lord,  I  thank  thee  for  the  encouragements  thou 
art  giving,  in  the  course  of  thy  providence,  to  reli- 
gious effort,  by  making  rich  with  thy  blessing  those 
who  are  diligent  in  thy  cause.  Yet,  I  would  feel 
that  while  these  things  are  to  be  remembered  with 
thankfulness,  they  increase  my  obligation  to  labour 
that  I  may  return  thine  own  to  thee  with  abundant 
usury. — Strengthen  me,  I  pray  thee,  to  do  thy  will, 
while  it  is  called  to-day — to  do  it  with  my  might, 
and  with  perseverance  therein  to  the  end — even  as 
thine  angels  do  it  in  heaven. 

Lord,  I  would  offer  these  and  all  other  petitions 
through  him  who  is  the  Prophet,  Priest  and  King  of 
the  whole  Israel  of  God,  and  without  whose  merits 
and  intercessions,  all  my  services  would  be  without 
hope  or  profit. — [^See  Obedience.] 

EARLY  PIETY. 

Heavenly  Father,  I  thank  thee  for  the  evidence 
which  thy  word  and  the  history  of  thy  church  give 
us,  that  children  and  youth  may  be  taught  to  love 
thy  name  and  do  thy  will.  Whilst  thou  hast  hid 
these  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  thou  hast 
revealed  them  unto  babes.  Thou  hast  told  such  to 
remember  thee;  and  hast  given  thy  promise  that 
those  who  seek  thee  early  shall  find  thee.    Our  bless- 


64 


ed  Saviour  said,  "  Suffer  little  children  to  come  unto 
me :"  and  he  took  them  in  his  arms  and  blessed 
them,  saying,  "Of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 
Lord,  thy  church,  in  every  age,  but  especially  in  our 
own,  has  raised  up  many  witnesses  that  thou  canst 
satisfy  the  children  of  men  early  with  thy  mercy, 
that  they  may  rejoice  and  be  glad  all  their  days. 

Lord,  increase  and  greatly  multiply  the  instances 
of  early  piety.  May  multitudes  of  children  feel  and 
act  from  the  motives  which  should  lead  them  to  do 
that  which  is  well-pleasing  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord. 
Convince  them  that  they  are  sinners,  exposed  to  thy 
wrath,  walking  in  rebellion  against  their  heavenly- 
Father,  and  yet  receiving  the  most  tender  offers  of 
mercy  through  Christ  the  Saviour.  Make  them  feel 
that  christian  friends  and  happy  spirits,  holy  angels 
and  Jesus  Christ,  desire  their  salvation.  Make  them 
understand  something  of  the  worth  of  the  soul ; 
something  of  death  and  judgment,  heaven  and  hell. 
O  lead  them,  through  repentance  and  faith  in  Jesus, 
to  remember  and  serve  thee  in  the  days  of  their 
youth. 

Shepherd  of  Israel,  rebuke  the  unbelief  of  thy 
church  respecting  the  conversion  of  children,  even 
as  thou  didst  rebuke  thy  disciples  when  they  would 
have  hindered  such  from  coming  to  thee.  Let  none 
despise  these  little  ones ;  for  thou  hast  warned  us 
that  their  angels  do  always  behold  the  face  of  their 
Father  in  heaven.  O  may  thy  saints  on  earth  be 
instruments  of  leading  them  to  Christ,  and  training 
them  as  plants  of  righteousness,  whose  leaf  shall  not 
wither,  and  who  will  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  grace. 
Bless,  I  beseech  thee,  the  various  means  which  are 
now  used  to  fill  the  minds  of  children  with  religious 
truth.     Let  not  this  condemnation  come  upon  them, 


65 


that  they  knew  thy  will,  but  did  it  not.  O  may  their 
privileges  be  to  them  as  the  small  rain  upon  the  ten- 
der herb,  and  as  showers  that  water  the  earth,  and 
which  cause  it  to  bring  forth  beauty,  and  verdure, 
and  fruit. — \^See  Sabbath  Schools.] 

EDUCATION. 

God  of  Wisdom,  I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  given 
me  a  rational  mind  and  an  immortal  soul,  capable  of 
being  trained  to  the  highest  and  noblest  exercises  of 
thought  and  feeling.  Teach  me  that  thou  hast  put 
on  me  the  responsibility  of  training  these  powers  in 
wisdom  and  holiness,  that  1  may  glorify  God,  do 
good  unto  others,  and  fill  up  the  measure  of  my 
everlasting  happiness  and  welfare.  Let  me  not,  I 
beseech  thee,  by  any  neglect  or  perversion  of  my 
rational  and  immortal  faculties,  defeat  thy  benevo- 
lence in  placing  me  so  far  above  the  brutes  that 
perish.  O  lead  my  understanding  into  useful  know- 
ledge, and  my  heart  into  redeeming  grace. 

Lord,  bless  the  useful  discoveries  and  efforts  that 
have  been  made,  and  are  now  making,  for  the  spread 
of  education.  O  diffuse  and  increase  them,  every- 
where, until  every  human  mind  will  know  its  pow- 
ers, and  exercise  them  in  such  spheres  as  will  make 
them  a  blessing  to  itself,  to  its  country,  and  to  the 
world.  Assist  those  who  would  scatter,  by  the 
light  of  truth,  the  mists  of  ignorance  and  error  that 
hancr  over  the  minds  of  the  o;reat  mass  of  mankind  : 
but  suffer  them  not  to  forget  that  righteousness  is  the 
stability  of  truth,  and  holiness  the  safeguard  of 
knowledge.  Make  all  our  schools  and  seminaries 
nurseries  of  piety  as  well  as  of  learning.  Cast  the 
healing  salt  of  thy  grace  into  all  the  fountains  of 
knowledge,  and  cause  them  to  send  forth  copious 
6* 


66 

and  unfailing  streams  that  will  make  glad  the  city 
of  our  God. 

ENVY. 

Father  in  Heaven,  preserve  my  heart  from  the 
baneful  dominion  of  envy.  Teach  me  its  exceeding 
sinfulness,  and  show  me  that  if  I  indulge  in  it,  it  will 
be  a  fountain  of  unhappiness  to  myself  and  of  mis- 
chief to  my  fellows,  while  it  will  bring  down  on  me 
thy  heavy  displeasure.  Lord,  let  me  not  be  envious 
of  the  gifts,  or  advantages,  or  success  of  others. 
May  I  feel  that  I  am  not  worthy  of  the  least  of  the 
mercies  thou  hast  already  given  me ;  and  teach  me 
that  thou  hast  not,  in  caprice,  withheld  from  me, 
and  bestowed  on  others,  the  things  which  seem  good 
in  my  eyes.  Lord,  make  me  content  with  thy  will ; 
and  so  shall  my  heart  rejoice  in  thy  ways  for  ever- 
more. 

ERROR. 

Lord,  I  would  come  to  thee  in  the  worthy  name  of 
Jesus,  to  implore  thee  to  shield  my  judgment  and 
heart  from  the  influence  of  error.  Give  me  sound 
knowledge  and  right  feelings.  Make  me  quick  to 
discern  that  which  is  right,  and  to  reject  that  which 
is  wrong.  Lead  me  to  do  thy  will,  that  1  may  know 
of  every  doctrine  whether  it  be  of  God.  O  let  not 
ignorance  cloud  my  understanding;  nor  prejudice 
warp  my  judgment ;  nor  interest  stifle  my  conscience; 
nor  sin  fetter  my  will :  but  do  thou  enable  me  to  de- 
tect, and  hate,  and  shun  what  is  false,  and  to  know, 
and  love,  and  follow  the  truth,  through  evil  and 
good  report. 

Lord,  subdue  and  scatter  every  form  of  error  in 
thy  church,   and  throughout  the  world.    Remove 


67 


from  the  household  of  faith,  every  thing  that  exalts 
itself  against  thy  word,  and  perverts  the  right  ways 
of  the  Lord.  Bring  thy  people  of  every  name,  into 
the  unity  of  the  Spirit. — Almighty  God,  cast  down 
the  Man  of  Sin  ;  overthrow  the  False  Prophet;  scatter 
the  temples  of  Idolatry  ;  and  overturn,  and  overturn, 
and  overturn,  until  the  Prince  of  Truth  shall  have 
the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  his  possession. 

ETERNITY. 

O  God,  help  me  to  dwell  by  faith  and  prayer,  on 
the  solemn  realities  of  the  world  to  conne.  Thou 
hast  made  me  in  the  image  of  thine  own  eternity, 
with  powers  that  are  capable  of  eternal  progress  in 
holiness,  knowledge,  and  happiness — or  in  sin,  error, 
and  v/o :  and  thou  has  filled  my  soul  with  hopes  and 
fears  that  travel  far  beyond  the  narrow  limits  of  this 
life,  and  find  their  home  in  the  future  state  of 
endless  being.  My  condition  will  be  fixed  either 
in  heaven  or  hell — enjoying  the  light  of  thy 
countenance,  or  cast  out  from  thy  presence  for 
ever — rejoicing  in  the  company  of  the  good,  or  en- 
during the  fellowship  of  the  wicked — bathing  in  the 
fountain  of  eternal  bliss,  or  plunging  in  the  burning 
lake  of  undying  wo. 

Lord,  I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  revealed  eternal 
things  to  me,  and  hast  shown  me  how  I  may  escape 
everlasting  death,  and  obtain  eternal  life.  Give  me 
a  firm  belief  of  their  reality,  and  a  deep  conviction 
of  their  importance.  Teach  me,  O  God  of  Mercy, 
that  life,  and  time,  and  means  are  given  me  to  pre- 
pare for  eternity — that  there  is  but  a  step  between 
me  and  death — and  that  according  to  my  character 
then,  will  be  my  destiny  for  ever.  O  seal  me  now 
by  thy  Spirit  until  the  day  of  redemption ;  and  then 


let  an  entrance  be  ministered  unto  me  abundantly 
into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  where  my  tongue  shall  utter  a  ceaseless 
anthem  of  praise,  my  understanding  enjoy  an  un- 
clouded knowledge  of  truth,  and  my  soul  delight  in 
a  perpetual  feast  of  love. — [6'ee  Heaven,  Hell, 
Soul.] 

eternity  of  god. 

From  everlasting  to  everlasting,  thou  art  God. 
The  number  of  thy  years  cannot  be  searched  out ; 
for  thou  hast  no  beginning  of  days,  nor  end  of  years. 
Thou  art  Alpha  and  Omega ;  the  beginning  and 
ending ;  which  was,  and  is,  and  is  to  come  ;  with 
whom  the  past,  the  present,  and  the  future  are 
one  eternal  now.  Thou  hast  life  in  thyself;  and  all 
thy  creatures  have  their  being  in  thee.  Heaven 
and  earth  shall  perish,  but  thou  shalt  endure :  they 
shall  wax  old  like  a  garment ;  as  a  vesture  shalt  thou 
change  them,  and  they  shall  be  changed  ;  but  thou 
art  the  same,  and  thy  years  shall  have  no  end. 

Lord,  may  the  solemn  truth  that  thou  art  eternal, 
suitably  affect  my  heart  and  control  my  conduct. 
Thou  hast  undying  power,  to  make  me  happy  or 
wretched  for  ever.  Throughout  the  ceaseless  ages  of 
eternity,  thy  hand  will  be  on  me  for  weal  or  wo.  O 
do  thou  enable  me  to  shun  the  wrath  to  come,  and 
to  lay  hold  on  eternal  life.  Make  with  me  now  thine 
everlasting  covenant;  and  be  the  strength  of  my 
heart,  and  my  portion  for  ever. 

EVIL. 

Great  Sovereign,  it  has  pleased  thee,  in  the  un- 
searchable purposes  of  thy  wisdom,  to  suffer  sick- 
ness and  pain,  misfortune  and  misery,  death  and 


69 

sin,  to  dwell  on  earth,  and  turn  its  gardens  into  de- 
serts, its  joys  into  sorrows,  and  thy  subjects  into 
rebels  against  thy  mercy  and  justice.  It  is  even  so, 
Father,  for  so  it  hath  seemed  good  in  thy  sight. 
Yet,  I  know  thou  hast  taught  the  whole  intelligent 
universe,  by  the  history  of  man's  fall,  the  bitter 
fruits  of  transgression :  and  I  rejoice  that  in  due 
time,  thou  didst  commend  thy  love  to  us,  in  that 
while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us,  that 
where  sin  and  its  fruits  have  abounded,  grace  and 
its  blessings  may  much  more  abound.  Father  in 
Heaven,  restore,  I  pray  thee,  this  earth  to  the  hap- 
piness and  purity  of  its  first  creation.  Remove 
every  thing  that  would  mar  the  peace  and  holiness 
of  mankind  :  and  grant  that  as  sin  has  reigned  unto 
death,  even  so  may  grace  reign,  through  righteous- 
ness, unto  eternal  life,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Lord. 

EXAMPLE. 

Lord,  make  me  understand  the  good  and  evil 
influences  I  may  exert  in  the  world  by  my  example. 
Let  me  not  dishonour  thy  name,  nor  cast  shame  on 
thy  church,  nor  throw  a  stumbling-block  in  the  way 
of  sinners,  by  a  careless  or  unholy  walk :  but  may 
my  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they  may  see  my 
good  works,  and  glorify  thee.  May  I  walk  as  the 
children  of  light,  and  have  no  fellowship  with  the  un- 
fruitful works  of  darkness,  but  rather  reprove  them. 
Enable  me  by  well-doing,  to  put  to  silence  the 
ignorance  of  foolish  men.  Make  me  blameless  and 
without  rebuke,  in  the  midst  of  a  crooked  and  per- 
verse people  ;  holding  forth  the  word  of  life,  that  I 
may  rejoice  in  the  day  of  Christ,  that  I  have  not 
laboured   in   vain.     Blessed   Lord,   grant  me,  for 


70 

Christ's  sake,  a  name  and  a  place  among  thy  pecu- 
liar people,  whom  thou  hast  chosen  to  show  forth  thy 
praises.  Make  me  a  guide  to  the  blind,  a  light  to 
them  that  walk  in  darkness,  and  a  living  epistle  of 
good  works,  known  and  read  of  all  men.  Enable 
me  to  hold  fast  the  profession  of  my  faith,  without 
wavering,  that  men  may  take  knowledge  of  me  that 
I  have  been  with  Jesus.  O  God,  restore  thy  salva- 
tion unto  me,  and  uphold  me  by  thy  free  Spirit ;  so 
shall  I  teach  transgressors  thy  ways,  and  sinners 
shall  be  converted  unto  thee. 

EXISTENCE  OF  GOD. 

Thou,  Jehovah,  art  the  only  living  and  true  God. 
My  reason  tells  me  that  thou  art — my  conscience 
warns  me  of  thy  being — thou  art  known  by  thy 
judgments,  and  art  proclaimed  by  thy  mercies. 
Wherever  I  go,  I  see  the  proofs  of  thine  existence; 
for  the  whole  universe  is  a  magazine  of  reference  to 
thee,  as  over  all,  God,  blessed  for  ever.  Lord,  let 
not  my  heart  ever  say  with  the  fool,  "  there  is  no 
God ;"  nor  my  conduct  show  that  I  have  forgotten 
or  denied  thee.  Grant  that  I  may  not  only  believe 
that  thou  art,  but  that  thou  art  the  rewarder  of  them 
that  diligently  seek  thee.  O  teach  me  out  of  the 
book  of  nature  and  the  volume  of  thy  word,  thy 
being,  and  character,  and  will ;  and  may  all  I  learn 
of  thee,  lead  me  to  worship  and  serve  thee  in  Spirit 
and  in  truth. 

FAITH. 

Lord,  I  would  believe ;  help  thou  mine  unbelief. 
Enable  me  to  have  faith  towards  thee,  as  infinite, 
eternal,  and  unchangeable  in  all  thine  attributes. 
May  I  believe  with  my  heart  unto  righteousness,  in 


71 


all  thy  purposes  and  dealings  towards  the  creatures 
thou  hast  made.  Be  thou,  O  Lord,  the  strength  of 
my  heart  and  the  portion  of  my  hope  for  ever. 

Let  me  not  stagger  at  thy  word  through  unbelief; 
for  without  faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  thee* 
May  I  trust  thee  in  all  thou  hast  spoken,  as  well 
as  in  all  thou  hast  done.  Let  me  not  hold  thy  truth 
in  unrighteousness ;  but  do  thou  make  it  profitable 
to  me  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  and 
for  instruction  in  righteousness ;  that  thereby  I  may 
be  thoroughly  furnished  unto  every  good  work. 
Teach  me  to  confide  in  its  precious  promises,  to 
heed  its  solemn  warnings,  to  follow  its  sacred  exam- 
ples, and  to  obey  its  holy  precepts. 

Lead  me,  blessed  God,  to  look  unto  Jesus,  the 
author  and  finisher  of  faith.  To  him  give  all  the 
prophets  witness,  that  through  him,  whosoever  be- 
lieveth  on  his  name,  shall  have  remission  of  sins : 
while  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned.  O 
may  he  be  my  Teacher,  my  Saviour  and  my  Ruler ; 
and  may  I  receive  and  rest  upon  him  alone  for  sal- 
vation, as  he  is  offered  in  the  gospel. 

Lord,  enable  me  to  exercise  faith  in  prayer. 
Give  me  an  abiding  conviction,  that  thou  art  the  re- 
warder  of  all  that  diligently  seek  thee.  May  I  ask 
of  thee  the  things  that  are  according  to  thy  will, 
trusting  that  I  shall  receive  them.  May  I  knock  at 
the  door  of  thy  mercy,  believing  that  thou  wilt  open 
unto  me.  O  grant  me  access  with  confidence  to  the 
throne  of  thy  grace,  in  the  strength  of  Christ's 
merits,  and  of  that  intercession  which  he  ever  liveth 
to  make  for  those  that  come  unto  thee  by  him. 

Lord,  give  me  grace  to  show  my  faith  by  my 
works,  without  which  it  would  be  dead,  being  alone. 
May  I  add  to  it  virtue,  knowledge,  temperance,  pa- 


72 

tience,  godliness,  brotherly-kindness,  and  charity. 
May  it  so  work  by  love,  that  I  may  realize  the 
iniquity  and  danger  of  those  who  are  strangers  to 
thy  covenant  of  promise,  and  have  the  energies  of 
my  soul  and  body  stirred  up  to  pluck  them  as  brands 
from  the  burning. 

Heavenly  Father,  give  me  the  evidence  of  things 
not  seen,  and  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for. 
May  I  live  by  faith,  and  not  by  sight ;  looking  not  at 
the  things  which  are  seen  and  temporal,  but  at  those 
that  are  not  seen,  and  are  eternal.  O  may  it 
please  thee  to  give  me  that  victory  which  over- 
cometh  the  world ;  and  to  grant  that  in  all  the  trials 
of  life,  and  amid  the  struggles  of  death,  I  may  come 
oft'  more  than  conqueror,  through  him  who  is  the 
end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  all  that  believe 
on  him. 

FALSEHOOD. 

Lord,  preserve  me  from  falsehood.  Teach  me 
that  it  degrades  character,  injures  peace  of  con- 
science, subverts  the  welfare  of  society,  and  incurs 
thy  hot  displeasure.  O  make  my  conscience  tender 
with  regard  to  every  violation  of  truth.  Let  me  not 
utter  falsehood  in  jest ;  for  thou  hast  said  that  for 
every  idle  word  that  men  shall  speak,  they  shall 
give  account  in  the  day  of  judgment.  Let  me 
not  depart  from  truth,  for  the  love  of  gain  ;  for  the 
wages  of  sin  is  death.  Let  me  not  practice  deceit, 
through  the  fear  or  favour  of  man ;  for  his  breath  is 
in  his  nostrils.  And,  O  Lord,  let  me  not  be  false, 
with  the  plea  of  doing  good  ;  for  we  may  not  do 
evil  that  good  may  come.  Keep  me,  I  pray  thee, 
from  every  thing  which  is  prejudicial  to  truth,  or  in- 
jurious to  my  own  or  my  neighbour's  good  name. 


73 

Suffer  me  not  to  think,  nor  act,  nor  speak  deceitfully 
in  any  thing. 

O  Lord,  make  me,  above  all,  sincere  towards 
thee.  Let  me  not  attempt  to  draw  nigh  to  thee  with 
a  lip-service,  while  my  heart  is  far  from  thee. 
Thou  searchest  the  heart,  and  triest  the  reins :  thou 
art  not  deceived,  and  thou  canst  not  be  mocked.  May 
all  my  homage  before  thee,  spring  from  a  control- 
ling desire  to  do  thy  will,  which  requires  truth  in 
the  inward  parts. 

FASTING. 

Assist  me,  O  Lord,  to  set  my  face  unto  thee,  to 
seek  by  prayer  and  supplication,  with  fasting.  Lead 
me  at  suitable  times,  to  deny  my  appetites,  out  of 
religious  principle,  and  with  a  view  to  spiritual  bene- 
fits on  myself  and  others.  Teach  me  that  thou  hast 
commanded  this  duty  ;  that  thy  saints  in  all  ages 
have  fulfilled  it ;  and  that  in  doing  so,  they  have  en- 
joyed thy  favour.  Lord,  make  it  the  intelligent  ser- 
vice of  my  heart.  May  I  resort  to  it  as  a  means  of 
crucifying  the  flesh,  of  mortifying  the  deeds  of  the 
body,  and  of  bringing  it  into  subjection  to  the  im- 
mortal interests  of  the  soul.  Enable  me  to  offer  it 
in  penitence  before  thee,  as  the  expression  of  a  sense 
of  my  sinfulness.  Do  thou  make  its  every  exercise 
conducive  to  the  health  of  my  body,  and  the  clear- 
ness and  vigour  of  my  mind ;  and  render  it  an  in- 
strument of  leading  me  to  forsake  selfishness  and 
iniquity,  and  to  serve  thee  with  a  pure-hearted  and 
an  increasing  devotion. 

Lord,  bless  the  appointed  fasts  of  thy  churches. 
May  these  solemn  seasons  be  accompanied  by  peni- 
tence for  transgression,  abandonment  of  sin,  conse- 
cration  to  thy  service,  and  revivals  of  pure  and 
7 


74 


imdefiled  religion,  which  shall  pervade  all  the  courts 
of  Zion,  and  be  the  means  of  adding  to  her  many  of 
such  as  shall  be  saved. 

FEAR. 

Lord,  grant  that  my  heart  may  always  be  influ- 
enced by  that  fear  of  thee,  which  is  the  beginning  of 
wisdom,  and  is  a  fountain  of  life  that  is  clean,  en- 
during for  ever.  Let  not  my  fear  of  thee  be  the 
dread  of  a  slave,  nor  the  terror  of  a  criminal ;  but 
the  awe  of  a  servant  mingled  with  the  confidence  of 
a  child.  May  it  lead  me  to  avoid  thy  displeasure — 
to  desire  thy  favour — to  hate  evil — and  to  do  thy 
pleasure  in  all  the  walks  of  life. 

Lord,  cause  the  dread  of  thy  judgments  to  rest  on 
the  wicked.  Make  them  feel  that  thy  presence  is 
continually  about  them,  and  that  thy  knowledge 
maketh  record  of  all  their  transgressions.  May  they 
understand  thy  power  and  justice,  and  be  convinced 
that  these  attributes  are  pledged  to  destroy  the  finally 
impenitent.  Cause  them  to  kiss  the  Son,  lest  he  be 
angry,  and  they  perish  from  the  way,  when  his 
wrath  is  kindled  but  a  little.  Show  them  that  thy 
mercy  is  upon  all  that  fear  thee,  from  generation  to 
generation. 

Keep  me,  O  Lord,  from  the  fear  of  man  that 
bringeth  a  snare.  If  thou  art  for  me,  who  can  be 
against  me?  Who  is  he  that  will  harm  me,  if  I  am 
a  follower  of  that  which  is  good  ?  Grant  me  cour- 
age to  speak  of  thy  testimonies,  and  not  be  ashamed. 
Though  the  proud  have  me  in  derision,  let  me  not 
decline  from  thy  law.  Help  me  to  despise  the 
shame  of  a  gainsaying  world,  lest  the  Son  of  Man 
be  ashamed  of  me  when  he  cometh  in  the  glory  of 
the  Father,  with  his  holy  angels. 


75 

Fellowship. — See  Communion. 

FORBEARANCE. 

Vouchsafe  unto  me,  O  Lord,  that  spirit  which  is 
not  easily  provoked  ;  but  that  beareth  all  things,  and 
endureth  all  things ;  that  sufTereth  long,  and  is  still 
kind.  Fix  permanently  in  my  mind,  the  example  of 
Christ  who  also  suffered  for  us,  that  we  should  fol- 
low in  his  steps.  And  thou  hast  said  that  when  we 
do  well  and  suffer  for  it,  yet  take  it  patiently,  this  is 
acceptable  with  God.  Show  me  that  the  discretion 
of  a  man  deferreth  his  anger,  and  it  is  his  glory  to 
pass  over  a  transgression.  May  I  consider  my  own 
proneness  to  trespass  upon  the  rights  of  others,  lest 
I  also  be  tempted,  and  need  the  forbearance  of  my 
fellows.  Let  me  recompense  to  no  man  evil  for 
evil ;  nor  avenge  myself;  but  rather  give  place  to 
wrath :  for  vengeance  is  thine,  and  thou  wilt  repay. 
Dispose  me,  O  Lord,  to  love  my  enemies  ;  and  O  let 
me  not  be  overcome  of  evil,  but  overcome  evil  with 
good. 

FORBEARANCE  OF  GOD. 

Heavenly  Father,  assist  me  to  contemplate  the 
riches  of  thy  forbearance  and  long  suffering.  I 
am  not  deserving  of  the  least  of  thy  mercies.  Hadst 
thou  been  strict  to  mark  mine  iniquities,  I  had  long 
ere  this  been  reaping  the  endless  retributions  of  sin. 
My  whole  life  has  been  a  witness  for  thee,  that  thou 
wilt  have  mercy,  and  not  sacrifice :  and  I  enjoy  now 
the  privilege  of  approaching  thy  mercy-seat,  because 
thy  mercy  rejoiceth  against  thy  judgment.  O  I 
am  not  worthy  to  come  into  thy  presence,  nor  to  lifl 
up  mine  eyes  to  the  place  where  thine  honour 
dwelleth.  Lord,  let  me  not  vex  thine  enduring 
goodness   by   continued   sin,  lest  thou  say  in  thy 


76 


wrath,  *'  Ephraim  is  joined  to  his  idols,  let  him 
alone."  Let  me  not  weary  thy  patience  with  un- 
fruitfulness;  lest  thou  pronounce  thy  judgment,  "Cut 
him  down  :  why  cumbereth  he  the  ground?"  Mer- 
ciful Father,  grant  that  thy  forbearance  may  lead 
me  to  the  humility  of  penitence,  and  the  obedience 
of  faith. 

Lord,  let  not  sinners  despise  nor  presume  on  the 
riches  of  thy  long-suffering.  Suffer  not  their  hearts 
to  be  set  in  them  to  do  evil,  because  sentence 
against  an  evil  work  is  not  executed  speedily.  Show 
them  that  thou  givest  thy  mercy,  that  they  may 
have  space  for  repentance;  or,  that  if  they  turn  not 
from  their  evil  ways,  thou  mayest  display  thy  holy 
justice  in  their  condemnation.  O  grant.  Lord,  that 
thy  forbearance  may  lead  them  to  repent,  and  to 
learn,  in  the  day  of  their  merciful  visitation,  the 
things  which  belong  to  their  peace. 

FOREKNOWLEDGE. 

God  of  Wisdom,  how  infinite  is  the  contrast  be- 
tween thine  omniscience  and  our  imperfect  know- 
ledge. We  know  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth ; 
but  thou  knowest  the  end  from  the  beginning. 
There  is  none  that  has  been  thy  counsellor :  thine 
eye  alone  searches  the  secrets  of  futurity.  A  thou- 
sand years  are  with  thee  as  but  one  day  ;  and 
among  the  infinite  series  of  events  that  lie  through- 
out the  eternity  to  come,  there  is  not  one,  of  which 
thou  dost  not  know  the  time  and  the  manner  of  its 
coming. 

Lord,  I  would  praise  thee  for  those  fruits  of  thy 
foreknowledge  which  thou  hast  given  us  in  thy  pro- 
phecies and  promises.  I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
granted  us  these  testimonials  of  thy  wisdom,  to  con- 


77 


firm  our  faith  in  thy  word,  and  to  strengthen  our 
hope  in  thy  mercy.  O  grant  that  the  foretell  ings 
of  thy  knowledge,  which  are  registered  in  thy  word, 
may  convince  the  infidel,  that  the  Bible  is  everlast- 
ing truth.  And  may  all  that  love  thee  thank  God, 
and  take  courage  from  these  seals  of  thy  testimo- 
nies. 

FORGIVENESS. 

Almighty  God,  do  thou  so  control  and  discipline 
my  heart,  that  I  shall  be  ever  ready  to  exercise  the 
virtue  of  forgiveness.  Thouo-h  mv  motives  and 
character  be  slandered,  and  my  property  and  person 
injured,  let  me  not  return  railing  for  railing,  nor  in- 
jury for  injury.  May  I  remember  thine  example  of 
long  suffering  and  great  mercy,  in  which  thou  dost 
not  avenge  thyself  of  thine  adversaries  ;  and  art  not 
willing  that  any  should  perish,  but  that  all  should 
come  to  repentance.  May  I  consider  how  long  thou 
didst  bear  with  my  own  disregard  of  thy  rights,  and 
disobedience  to  thy  law,  until  thou  didst  at  last 
move  me  to  repentance  and  faith,  and  didst  crown 
me,  as  I  trust,  with  undeserved  forgiveness  of  my 
sins. 

Lord,  make  me  realize  the  condition  of  that 
prayer,  "  forgive  us  our  debts  as  we  forgive  our 
debtors."  O  let  me  not,  by  a  vindictive  spirit, 
seal  up  the  fountains  of  thy  pardon ;  for  thou  hast 
said  that  if  we  do  not  forgive  men  their  trespasses, 
neither  will  our  Father  in  heaven  forgive  us  our 
trespasses. — Lord,  incline  me,  moreover,  to  a  mer- 
ciful spirit  by  the  reflection,  that  I  ofien  commit 
oflfences  against  the  rights  of  others.  May  I  there- 
fore do  unto  them  as  I  would  have  them  do  unto  me. 
Make  me  willing  to  seek  forgiveness  of  any  whom  I 
7# 


78 

may  offend  or  injure.  Permit  not  false  shame  nor 
pride  to  keep  me  from  acknowledging  my  errors 
and  transgressions.  May  1  feel  that  there  is  more 
honour  in  confessing  and  repairing  a  sin  against  my 
neighbour,  than  in  covering  it  up  and  refusing  to 
render  him  justice. — Lord,  dispose  me  to  love  my 
enemies,  to  bless  them  that  curse  me,  and  to  do  good 
to  them  that  hate  me. — [See  Pardon.] 

FRUGALITY. 

Make  me  frugal,  O  Lord,  in  my  habits  of  life. 
Let  me  not  be  anxious  as  to  what  I  shall  eat,  or 
drink,  or  wherewithal  I  shall  be  clothed;  nor  seek  to 
make  provision  for  the  flesh  to  fulfil  the  lusts  thereof. 
Persuade  me  that  I  have  no  right  to  decorate  my 
person,  my  family,  my  house,  or  my  table,  with  un- 
becoming, or  dishonest,  or  luxurious  expenditure. 
Convince  me  that  an  immoderate  use  of  thy  bounties 
is  inconsistent  with  peace  of  mind,  health  of  body, 
and  enjoyment  of  thy  favour.  May  I  gather  up  my 
fragments  of  time  and  property,  and  use  them  in  thy 
service.  Lord,  dispose  me  to  use  economy  and 
prudence  in  my  expenses,  that  I  may  thus  be  fur- 
nished with  additional  means  of  supplying  the  wants 
of  the  destitute,  and  contributing  to  those  objects  of 
benevolence  which  promote  the  welfare  of  man  and 
display  thy  glory. 

GENTLENESS. 

Heavenly  Father,  bestow  on  me  that  fruit  of  thy 
Spirit  which  is  gentleness.  Impress  on  my  mind, 
that  the  servant  of  the  Lord  must  not  strive,  but  be 
gentle  unto  all  men.  May  I  remember  him  who 
was  led  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter,  and  like  a  sheep 
dumb  before  his  shearer,  opened   not  his  mouth : 


79 

who  did  no  sin,  neither  was  guile  found  in  his 
mouth :  who  when  he  suffered  threatened  not,  but 
committed  himself  to  him  that  judgeth  righteously — 
leaving  us  an  example,  that  we  should  follow  in  his 
steps.  Blessed  Jesus,  thou  pattern  of  meekness, 
preserve  my  temper  and  conduct  from  unkindness 
and  violence.  May  a  holy  calm  pervade  my  heart 
in  all  the  changes  and  trials  I  may  encounter — and 
manifest  itself  in  kindness  and  good  will,  in  all  the 
relations  of  life.  0  fill  my  heart  with  that  wisdom 
from  above,  which  is  gentle,  easy  to  be  entreated, 
and  full  of  mercy  and  good  fruits. 

GLORY    OF    GOD. 

Lord  God  Almighty,  thou  art  glorious  in  the  infi- 
nite excellencies  of  thy  character.  Thou  art  ever- 
lasting in  being,  almighty  in  power,  infinite  in  wisdom, 
inflexible  in  justice,  eternal  in  truth,  spotless  in  holi- 
ness, and  boundless  in  mercy.  Great  and  marvel- 
lous are  thy  works,  just  and  true  are  thy  ways,  thou 
King  of  Saints.  Who  will  not  fear  and  glorify  thy 
name  ?  The  heavens  declare  thy  glory,  and  the  firma- 
ment exhibiteth  thy  handy  work  :  day  unto  day  utter- 
eth  speech  concerning  thee,  and  night  unto  night 
shovveth  knowledge  of  thee.  All  thy  works  praise 
thee.  But  it  is  in  the  person  and  work  of  our  blessed 
Saviour  that  thou  hast  chiefly  shown  the  perfection 
of  thy  character,  for  the  adoration  and  homage  of 
thine  intelligent  creation.  There  thou  didst  make 
thy  richest  display  of  might  and  knowledge,  right- 
eousness and  goodness.  O,  thou  art  worthy  to  be 
held  in  everlasting  honour,  that  he  who  was  the 
brightness  of  the  Father's  glory,  and  the  express  im- 
age of  his  person,  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  with  us, 
being  in  all  points  tempted  as  we  are ;  and  when  he 


80 


had  filled  up  the  measure  of  his  reproach  and  perse- 
cution, gave  himself  up  to  an  ignominious  death,  that 
we  might  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  even 
the  remission  of  sins. 

Father  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy  name.  O  help 
me  to  honour  thee  whenever  I  contemplate  thy  works, 
or  thy  word,  or  thy  providence.  Shine  into  my  heart 
to  give  me  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  thy  glory 
in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ.  May  I  praise  thee  in  my 
thoughts,  and  Avith  rny  lips,  and  by  my  life:  and 
whether  I  eat  or  drink,  or  whatsoever  I  do,  may  1  do 
all  to  the  glory  of  God. 

Lord,  let  all  thy  saints  bless  thee.  Instruct  them 
that  their  chief  end  is  to  glorify  thee.  May  they  me- 
ditate on  thy  greatness,  ^and  talk  of  thy  wondrous 
works,  and  honour  thy  will  by  acts  of  holy  obedi- 
ence. May  Christ  be  fully  formed  in  their  hearts 
the  hope  of  glory.  Make  them  the  blessed  instru- 
ments of  leading  multitudes,  who  now  cast  dishonour 
on  thy  mercy,  to  witness  and  magnify  the  riches  of 
thy  grace. 

Father,  glorify  thy  name  in  turning  the  wicked 
from  the  error  of  their  ways  unto  the  wisdom  of  the 
just.  O  fulfil  in  all  their  power  and  efficacy  the 
messages  of  the  gospel,  which  are  glory  to  God  in  the 
highest ;  peace  on  earth,  and  good-will  to  men. 

God. — See  Jldoration^  Existence^  Omnipresence^  (Sfc, 

GODLINESS. 

O  Lord,  vouchsafe  to  me,  through  the  merit  and 
intercession  of  Jesus,  that  godliness  which  is  profita- 
ble unto  all  things,  having  the  promise  of  the  life  that 
now  is,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come.  Lead  me  to 
reverence  thy  name ;  for  thou  art  God,  and  beside 


81 


thee  there  is  none  other.  Incline  me  to  love  thy 
character,  which  is  the  perfection  of  excellency. 
Learn  me  thy  testimonies,  which  are  sure,  making 
wise  the  simple.  Lead  me  to  suhmit  willingly  to  all 
thy  dispensations  ;  for  they  are  of  the  Lord  ;  let  him 
do  what  seemeth  good  in  his  sight.  May  I  depend 
on  thee  with  a  confiding  heart,  for  every  bless- 
ing ;  for  thou  hast  said  that  as  my  day  is  so  shall  my 
strength  be.  Excite  me,  O  Lord,  to  praise  thy  good- 
ness ;  for  thou  art  merciful  and  gracious,  long-suffer- 
ing and  abundant  in  goodness.  Build  thou  my  hopes 
of  thy  favour  on  the  precious  merits  of  Jesus,  besides 
whose  name  there  is  no  other  given  by  which  I  may 
be  saved.  And,  O  Lord,  assist  me  by  thy  grace  to 
obey  all  thy  law;  for  not  every  one  that  saith,  "Lord, 
Lord,"  shall  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  but  he  that 
doeth  the  will  of  our  Father  in  heaven. 

Shepherd  of  Israel,  bless  the  fold  of  Christ.  Let 
none  who  have  the  form  of  godliness  deny  the  power 
thereof.  Give  thy  people  wisdom,  love,  zeal,  and 
influence.  May  their  lives  be  hid  with  Christ  in  God, 
so  that  when  Christ,  who  is  their  life,  shall  appear, 
they  also  shall  appear  with  him  in  glory.  And  grant, 
most  merciful  God,  that  all  men  may  learn  that  mys- 
tery of  godliness,  God  manifest  in  the  fiesh,  justified 
in  the  spirit,  seen  of  angels,  preached  unto  the  Gen- 
tiles, believed  on  in  the  world,  received  up  into  glory. 

GOOD    WORKS. 

Blessed  God,  make  me  understand  the  imperfec- 
tion of  human  obedience.  There  is  not  a  just  man 
on  earth,  that  doeth  good,  and  sinneth  not.  Even 
when  I  most  fulfil  thy  will,  I  am  an  unprofitable  ser- 
vant. Lord,  keep  me  from  thoughts  and  boastings 
of  merit :  for  it  is  not  by  works  of  righteousness,  I 


82 


have  done,  that  I  shall  be  justified,  but  by  thy  grace, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  the  Saviour.  And  yet,  O  Lord, 
do  thou  make  me  careful  to  maintain  good  works  : 
for  thou  rcquirest  me  to  work  that  which  is  well  pleas- 
ing in  thy  sight ;  and  thou  hast  an  infinite  right  to 
my  service,  as  m}'-  Creator,  Ruler,  and  Redeemer. 
Create  me,  therefore,  in  Christ  Jesus,  unto  good  works, 
and  make  me  as  the  branch  which  abideth  in  the 
vine,  bearing  fruit.  May  thy  word  be  in  my  heart ; 
as  good  seed,  which  springeth  up,  and  beareth  an 
hundred  fold.  May  I  do  thy  will  with  a  heart  of  love, 
with  faith  unfeigned,  and  with  desire  that  all  I  do 
may  be  for  thy  glory.  Grant  me  the  renewing  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and  that  faith  which  works  by  love, 
and  is  accepted  by  thee,  in  Christ's  name,  for  right- 
eousness. Teach  me,  O  Lord,  that  whatsoever  a 
man  soweth  that  shall  he  also  reap.  If  he  sow  to  the 
flesh,  he  shall  of  the  flesh  reap  corruption  :  but  if  he 
sow  to  the  Spirit,  he  shall  of  the  Spirit  reap  life  ever- 
lasting. I  pray  thee,  therefore,  let  me  not  be  weary 
in  well-doing;  for  in  due  season  I  shall  reap,  if  I 
faint  not. — [See  Duty  and  Usefulness.] 

GOODNESS    OF    GOD. 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his 
benefits ;  for  God  is  love.  Thou  art  good,  O  Lord, 
in  giving,  preserving,  and  blessing  the  lives  of  thy 
creatures.  They  are  thine  offspring,  and  have  their 
being  in  thy  mercy.  The  eyes  of  all  are  unto  thee, 
and  thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due  season :  thou 
openest  thy  hand,  and  satisfiest  the  desires  of  every 
living  thing.  Thou  crownest  the  year  with  thy  good- 
ness, and  thy  paths  drop  fatness. — Thou  hast  shown 
thy  mercy  in  thy  forbearance;  for  if  thou  didst  mark 
iniquity,  who  could  stand?  Yea,  thou  art  long-suffering, 


83 


and  art  not  willing  that  any  should  perish,  but  that 
all  should  come  to  repentance. — But  thou  hast  exhib- 
ited thy  goodness,  above  all,  in  the  gift  of  thy  Son. 
Thou  didst  so  love  the  world,  as  to  give  him,  that 
whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life :  and  thou  didst  commend  thy 
love  to  us,  in  that  while  we  were  sinners,  Christ  died 
for  us.  Though  we  had  turned  every  one  to  his  own 
way,  the  Lord  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all. — 
Blessed  God,  thou  art  merciful  in  the  gift  of  the  holy 
scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  us  wise  unto  sal- 
vation— and  in  the  bestowment  of  that  Comforter, 
whose  ministrations  are  life  because  of  righteousness. 
— Even  thine  afflictions  have  been  blessings  in  dis- 
guise :  for  thou  hast  chastened  us  for  our  profit,  that 
we  might  be  partakers  of  thy  holiness :  and  though 
thy  chastenings  seemed  not  to  be  joyous,  but  griev- 
ous, yet  afterwards  they  worked  the  peaceable  fruits 
of  righteousness. — Lo  !  thou  hast  made  even  the  sins 
of  thy  creatures  to  work  together  for  good  :  thou  hast 
made  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise  thee :  and  where 
sin  hath  abounded,  grace  did  much  more  abound. — 
Whoso  is  wise,  and  will  observe  these  things,  even 
he  shall  understand  the  loving  kindness  of  the  Lord. 

Heavenly  Father,  make  me  feel  that  I  am  not 
worthy  of  the  least  of  thy  mercies,  and  that  I  have 
deserved  thy  wrath  instead  of  thy  kindness.  Bind 
me,  I  beseech  thee,  to  thee  and  thy  cause  by  a  strong 
and  an  abiding  gratitude.  Permit  me  not  to  forget 
nor  abuse  thy  mercies.  Let  them  not  rise  up  in 
judgment  against  me,  either  in  this  world,  or  in  that 
which  is  to  come.  Do  thou  lead  me,  0  Lord,  to  imi- 
tate thy  goodness,  by  labours  of  love,  and  by  seek- 
ing occasions  to  do  good  in  all  the  relations  of  life. 

Lord,  draw  all  men  unto  thee  by  the  cords  of  thy 


84 

love.  May  thy  kindness  lead  them  to  repentance  and 
to  devotion  to  thy  cause.  O  that  men  would  praise 
the  Lord  for  his  goodness  and  for  his  wonderful 
■works  to  the  children  of  men.  His  goodness  endur- 
eth  continually,  and  his  mercy  is  everlasting. 

GOSPEL. 

Gracious  Jehovah,  assist  me  to  understand,  and 
love,  and  obey  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.  I  would  magnify  the  riches  of  thy 
mercy  which  devised  these  glad  tidings  of  great  joy  for 
all  people.  I  would  praise  thee  that  thou  didst  send 
it  in  due  time,  in  all  its  fulness  of  grace  and  truth, 
life  and  immortality.  It  was  not  because  we  de- 
served thy  favour,  or  sought  thy  mercy  ;  but  because 
thou  didst  pity  our  lost  condition,  and  didst  enter 
into  a  covenant  of  grace,  to  bring  us  out  of  an  estate 
of  sin  and  misery  into  an  estate  of  salvation,  by  a 
Redeemer.  Lord,  1  would  praise  thee  that  this 
word  is  offered  without  money  and  without  price ; 
and  that  whosoever  will  may  take  of  the  waters  of 
life  freely.  Thou  hast  made  the  plan  of  redemption 
commensurate  with  the  wants  and  sins  of  our  ruined 
race,  and  with  the  claims  of  thy  holy  and  inflexible 
justice. 

Lord,  help  me  to  lay  hold  upon  the  hope  set  be- 
fore me  in  the  gospel.  May  I  receive  it  as  the  only 
savour  of  life  unto  life.  Let  me  not  be  ashamed  of 
the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ ;  but  may  I  glory  in  it  as 
the  power  of  God,  unto  salvation,  to  every  one  that 
believeth.  May  it  teach  me  to  deny  ungodliness, 
and  to  live  righteously  in  thy  sight.  Make  it  the 
instrument  of  building  me  up  in  saving  knowledge, 
holy  love,  and  willing  obedience,  to  the  praise  of 
Jesus  Christ. 


85 


0  God,  make  the  impenitent  feel  that  they  cannot 
escape  thy  wrath,  if  they  neglect  this  great  salva- 
tion. May  it  bring  them,  from  being  strangers  and 
foreigners,  to  be  fellow-citizens  of  the  household  of 
faith.  May  it  turn  their  carnal  minds  from  their  en- 
mity unto  peace  with  God,  and  release  them,  being 
justified  by  faith,  from  that  wrath  of  God  which 
now  abideth  on  them.  Blessed  Saviour,  call  them 
from  darkness  into  marvellous  light :  free  them  from 
the  bondage  of  sin,  and  cause  them  to  stand  fast  in 
the  liberty  wherewith  thou  makest  thy  servants  free. 

Lord,  may  the  kingdom  of  thy  gospel  come,  and 
thy  will  be  done  on  earth  as  in  heaven.  Multiply 
the  number  of  those  who  shall  run  to  and  fro,  in- 
creasing knowledge.  Make  the  reading,  but  espe- 
cially the  preaching  of  thy  word,  an  effectual  means 
of  convincino;  and  converting;  sinners. — Strensrthen 

o  o  o 

the  minds,  and  sanctify  the  wills,  and  increase  the 
zeal  of  thy  people.  Send  the  rod  of  thy  strength 
out  of  Zion,  and  make  thy  people  wilhng  in  the  day 
of  thy  power :  and  may  converts  be  multiplied  to 
them  as  drops  of  dew  in  the  morning.  O  God,  re- 
deem thy  promise,  that  at  the  name  of  Jesus  every 
knee  shall  bow,  and  every  tongue  confess  that  he  is 
Lord,  to  the  praise  of  God,  the  Father. 

GOVERNMENT. 

King  of  Kings  and  Lord  of  Lords,  dispose  me  to 
pray  for  all  that  are  in  authority,  that  we  may  lead  a 
quiet  and  peaceable  life,  in  all  honesty  and  godliness. 
May  I  remember  that  the  powers  that  be  are  ordain- 
ed of  God,  and  that  by  thee  kings  reign  and  princes 
decree  justice.  Make  me  grateful  to  thee  that  thou 
hast  put  the  restraints  of  law  upon  mankind.  O  do 
thou  make  every  rule  of  administration  throughout 
8 


86 


the  world,  conform  to  thy  benevolent  will.  Make 
those  that  bear  the  sword  a  terror  to  evil-doers,  and 
a  praise  to  them  that  do  well.  Make  our  officers 
peace,  and  our  exactors  righteousness.  Let  our 
law-givers  be  men  tiiat  fear  God  and  hale  covetous- 
ness.  Though  thou  canst  make  the  wrath  of  tyrants 
to  praise  thee;  yet  do  thou  so  order  the  means  and 
objects  of  human  government,  that  thy  glory  may  be 
advanced  by  the  holiness  and  happiness  of  rulers 
and  people. 

Lord,  I  thank  thee  for  that  form  of  government 
which  has  been,  under  thy  hand,  a  protection  and 
blessing  to  this  nation.  Reform  its  evils,  and  spread 
its  blessings,  until  every  country  shall  rejoice  in  the 
sovereignty  of  useful  and  just  laws.  But,  O  Lord, 
may  we  not  forget  that  it  is  righteousness  which  ex- 
alteth  a  nation  ;  while  sin  is  a  reproach  to  any  peo- 
ple. Deal  not  with  us  according  to  our  transgres- 
sions. Say  not  in  thy  wrath,  that  thy  kingdom 
shall  be  taken  from  us,  and  given  to  a  nation  bring- 
ing forth  the  fruits  thereof.  Make  this  land  Imma- 
nuel's  land,  where  peace  will  have  her  dwelling, 
liberty  her  home,  and  piety  her  abode,  until  this 
world  and  all  the  works  therein  shall  be  burned  up, 
and  there  be  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth, 
wherein  dwclleth  righteousness. 

GRACE. 

Lord,  enable  me  through  the  adorable  Redeemer, 
to  know,  and  value,  and  possess  the  exceeding  riches 
of  thy  grace.  It  is  rich  in  its  source ;  for  it  is  the 
fulness  of  him  that  filleth  all  in  all.  It  is  rich  in 
its  abundance;  since  it  is  given  to  us  for  help  in 
every  time  of  need.  And,  O,  it  is  rich  in  its  un- 
speakable blessings ;  for  it  brings  the  forgiveness  of 


87 

sins — gives  us  the  washing  of  regeneration — unites 
us  to  Christ  by  a  living  faith — ^justifies  us  by  his 
merits — bestows  on  us  the  witness  of  the  Spirit — 
gives  us  the  victory  over  the  world  and  the  grave — 
makes  us  heirs  of  God,  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ, 
in  the  enjoyments  of  heaven  lor  ever.  Show  me,  O 
Lord,  that  Jesus  is  the  mediator  of  this  blessing  :  it 
is  he  that  maketh  peace  through  the  blood  of  his 
cross :  he  giveth  repentance  and  remission  of  sins  : 
and  he  seals  the  redeemed  soul  by  the  Spirit,  through 
sanctification,  unto  eternal  life. — Lord,  thou  couldst 
have  glorified  thyself  in  the  destruction  of  thy  rebel 
creatures ;  but  thou  hast  chosen,  in  thy  mercy,  to 
win  them  back  to  thee  by  love,  that  thou  mightest 
glorify  thyself  in  their  newness  of  life  on  earth,  and 
their  eternal  bliss  in  heaven. 

Merciful  God,  enable  me,  by  thy  blessing,  to 
grow  in  grace.  May  I  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness,  and  desire  the  sincere  milk  of  the 
word,  that  I  may  grow  thereby.  May  I  seek  to  give 
strength  to  every  godly  principle  within  me,  by  ha- 
bitual industry  in  thy  service ;  by  exercising  myself 
unto  godliness,  and  always  abounding  in  the  work 
of  the  Lord.  Be  pleased  to  order  thy  dispensations, 
whether  of  prosperity  or  adversity,  so  that  they  may 
promote  my  spiritual  good.  Build  me  on  the  founda- 
tion of  the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus  Christ  being 
the  chief  corner-stone.  May  I  in  all  things  by 
prayer  and  supplication,  make  known  my  requests 
unto  thee.  And,  O,  grant  me  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to 
sanctify  my  affections,  and  to  assist  me  in  giving  all 
diligence  to  make  my  calling  and  election  sure. 

Heavenly  Father,  transform  me  by  the  renewing 
of  my  mind,  that  I  may  know  what  is  thy  good,  and 
perfect  and  acceptable  will.     Enable  me  to  go  from 


88 

strength  to  strength ;  and  do  thou  change  me  from 
glory  to  glory.  Animate  my  heart  with  supreme 
love  to  God,  and  impartial  love  to  man.  Give  me 
an  increasing  purity  of  motive,  strength  of  principle, 
self-abasement,  and  loathing  of  sin.  Let  me  not 
love  the  world,  nor  the  things  that  are  in  the  world. 
May  I  cherish  the  fellowship  of  thy  saints  ;  and  seek 
the  welfare  of  thy  kingdom,  by  gifts,  by  labour,  and 
by  supplication.  Blessed  Lord,  make  me  holy, 
harmless,  undefiled,  and  separate  from  sinners. 

Shepherd  of  Israel,  cause  thy  grace  to  dwell 
richly  in  the  hearts  of  all  thy  people.  May  they 
watch  unto  prayer  against  anger,  pride,  and  covet- 
ousness ;  against  ambition,  censoriousness,  and  im- 
purity. May  they  look  diligently,  lest  any  fail  of 
the  grace  of  God  ;  lest  any  root  of  bitterness  spring- 
ing up,  trouble  them,  and  thereby  many  be  defiled. 
Make  their  christian  character  as  the  light  of  heaven, 
which  shineth  more  and  more,  unto  the  perfect  day. 

Lord,  exert  the  power  of  thy  grace  on  the  hearts 
of  the  impenitent.  Convince  them  of  their  guilt  and 
danger ;  persuade  them  to  accept  of  thy  mercy  in 
Jesus;  renew  their  wills  and  sanctify  their  feelings; 
lead  them  to  pant  after  thee,  as  the  hart  panteth 
after  the  water-brook,  and  to  run  willingly  in  all 
the  ways  of  thy  commandments.  O  grant  that 
where  sin  hath  abounded,  grace  may  much  more 
abound.  And  to  God,  only  wise,  be  glory  through 
Jesus  Christ,  for  ever. 

GRATITUDE. 

Lord  Jehovah,  thou  art  good,  and  lovest  to  do 
good.  Thou  art  the  giver  of  every  good  and  perfect 
gift.  My  whole  life  has  been  a  living  record  of  thy 
mercy.     Thou  hast  given  mc  the  blessings  of  health 


89 

and  peace,  food  and  clothing,  home  and  friends, 
protection  and  happiness.  Yet  all  these  are  but  as 
the  small  dust  of  the  balance  compared  with  thy 
mercy  in  Christ  Jesus.  Though  the  creatures  thou 
hadst  made  to  be  the  subjects  of  thy  bounty,  had 
all  rebelled  against  thy  law,  thou  didst  so  love 
them  as  to  give  thy  Son  for  them,  to  bring  them 
back  with  an  everlasting  redemption.  And  because 
they  still,  notwithstanding  this  matchless  offer  of 
compassion,  would  not  come  unto  thee,  that  they 
might  have  life,  thou  hast  given  them  the  influences 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  persuade  them  to  accept  of 
mercy.  And  to  as  many  as  thou  hast  given  power 
to  become  the  sons  of  God,  thou  hast  vouchsafed 
such  measures  of  thy  grace,  that  they  shall  be  able 
to  persevere  in  obedience,  through  faith,  unto  com- 
plete salvation. 

O  Lord,  cause  my  gratitude  to  bear  some  propor- 
tion to  thy  goodness.  Let  me  not  forget  thy  bene- 
fits, nor  think  that  my  own  hand  has  wrought  any 
of  them.  Incline  me  to  look  back  often,  with  min- 
gled feelings  of  wonder  and  love,  on  the  way  in  which 
thou  hast  led  me  by  thy  providence  and  grace.  Give 
me  such  views  of  thy  loving-kindness,  and  of  my 
own  utter  unworthiness,  as  shall  lead  me  to  magnify 
continually  the  richness  of  thy  goodness.  Induce 
me  to  love  thee  because  thou  hast  first  loved  me. 
Make  my  enjoyment  of  thy  mercies  a  motive  to  obe- 
dience. Especially  may  the  love  of  Christ  constrain 
me  to  do  thy  will.  O  may  I  desire  to  show  my 
sense  of  obligation  to  thee  by  always  seeking  to  do 
what  is  well -pleasing  in  thy  sight. 

Great  God,  cause  thine  unnumbered  mercies  to- 
wards guilty  men,  to  melt  the  hardness  of  their 
hearts,  to  subdue  their  rebellious  wills,  and  to  lead 
8* 


90 


them  by  the  allurements  of  thy  love,  to  a  godly  sor- 
row for  sin,  a  cordial  faith  in  the  atonement,  and  a 
grateful  devotion  to  thy  cause.  Make  the  multitudes 
who  are  children  of  disobedience,  the  sons  of  adop- 
tion, to  the  praise  of  the  fulness  of  thy  grace. 

O  Lord,  permit  me  not  to  be  ungrateful  to  my  fel- 
low creatures.  Thou  hast  been  pleased  so  to  consti- 
tute our  social  relations,  that  each  is  dependent  on 
others  for  kindness  and  favour.  Thou  hast  made 
many  of  them  the  almoners  of  thy  bounty  to  me. 
Make  my  heart  sensible  of  every  benefit  I  receive 
from  them  :  and  while  my  affections  abound  towards 
those  who  do  me  good,  lead  me,  O  Lord,  to  do  good 
to  all  men. — Promote,  I  beseech  thee,  the  prevalence 
of  acts  of  good  will  among  all  thy  creatures,  until 
envy,  ingratitude,  and  hatred  shall  be  banished  from 
the  world,  and  all  men  abound  in  love  to  God  and  to 
each  other. 

GRAVE. 

Great  God,  teach  me  that  I  am  dust,  and  must 
return  to  dust.  May  I  often  and  habitually  look  for- 
ward to  the  grave,  that  narrow  house  appointed  for 
all  the  living.  Lead  me  to  regard  it  as  the  monu- 
ment of  human  guilt ;  for  if  there  had  been  no  sin, 
there  had  been  no  grave :  the  wages  of  sin  is  death. 
O  may  every  mound  that  marks  the  last  dwelling- 
place  of  a  human  being,  be  a  witness  that  sin  has 
entered  into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin.  May  I 
learn  from  it,  the  vanity  of  earthly  good — we  bring 
nothing  into  the  world,  and  we  can  carry  nothing 
out — we  must  say  to  corruption,  "  Thou  art  my  fa- 
ther ;"  and  to  tlie  worm,  "  Thou  art  my  mother  and 
my  sister."  Lord,  this  wide  world  is  one  vast 
burial-place ;  and  we  plant  our  feet  daily  on  some  spot 


91 


that  has  been  the  charnel-house  of  mortality.  Alas, 
death  dwells  every  where,  but  in  the  giddy  thoughts 
of  men. 

But  I  thank  thee,  O  Lord,  that  amid  all  its  gloom, 
the  grave  has  its  consolations.  Jesus,  our  Saviour, 
has  been  there,  and  has  sanctified  the  tomb  as  the 
resting  place  of  his  people's  dust.  There  the  weary 
are  at  rest.  Though  the  body  shall  turn  to  dust,  the 
spirit  will  return  to  God  who  gave  it :  and  while  thy 
saints  are  absent  from  the  body,  they  are  present 
with  the  Lord.  Nor  shall  our  sleep  be  eternal :  the 
earth  shall  cast  out  her  dead — this  mortal  shall  put 
on  immortality,  and  that  which  was  sown  in  dishon- 
our, shall  be  raised  in  glory. — Lord,  grant  that  when 
the  dead  come  forth  at  thy  voice,  mine  may  be  the 
resurrection  of  life;  that  so  I  may  be  openly  acknow- 
ledged and  acquitted  in  the  day  of  judgment,  and  be 
made  perfectly  blessed  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  God 
to  all  eternity. 

Heavenly  Father,  for  Christ's  sake,  grant  that 
every  tomlD  may  be  a  convincing  and  persuading 
preacher  to  the  impenitent.  May  they  learn  and  act 
upon  the  truth,  that  it  is  appointed  unto  all  men  once 
to  die.  Show  them  that  after  death  cometh  the 
judgment,  when  they  who  have  done  evil,  shall  come 
forth  to  the  resurrection  of  damnation.  O  may  ma- 
ny now  lay  to  heart  the  things  that  belong  to  their 
eternal  peace :  and  then,  when  Christ  shall  appear, 
they  also  shall  appear  with  him,  who  is  the  resur- 
rection and  the  life,  blessed  for  ever. 

GRIEF. 

Compassionate  Jehovah,  thou  knowest  all  the 
sources  of  my  griefs — the  afflictions  of  my  body — 
the  weakness  and  ignorance  of  my  mind — the  loss 


92 


of  cherished  objects — and  the  miseries  of  my  sinful- 
ness. When  I  look  back  upon  my  past  life,  how  do 
slighted  mercy,  neglected  grace,  and  sinful  rebellion 
rise  up  to  confound  me  with  sorrow. — When  I  look 
within  me,  and  examine  my  present  state,  I  find  that 
when  I  would  delight  in  the  law  of  the  Lord  after 
the  inward  man,  there  is  a  law  in  my  members  war- 
ring against  the  law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me 
into  captivity  to  the  law  of  sin  :  so  that  I  am  con- 
strained to  say,  "  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  ;  who 
shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ?" — 
When  my  thoughts  go  forth  into  the  unknown  future, 
I  have  reason  to  pass  the  time  of  my  sojourning  here 
in  fear,  lest,  being  led  away  by  the  corruption  of  my 
heart,  the  error  of  the  wicked,  and  the  deceit  of  Sa- 
tan, I  may  fall  from  my  steadfastness. — When  I  look 
around  me,  I  find  sources  of  grief  every  where;  for 
the  ways  of  Zion  mourn,  and  my  heart  is  faint 
within  me:  I  behold  the  transgressors,  and  am 
grieved:  rivers  of  waters  should  run  down  mine 
eyes,  because  men  keep  not  thy  law. — O  God,  it 
behooves  me  also  to  mourn  when  thou  dost,  for  any 
reason,  hide  thy  face  from  me — when  the  heavens 
above  me  are  as  brass,  and  my  trembling  heart 
would  surmise  that  even  God  had  forgotten  to  be 
gracious. 

But,  O  Lord,  thou  knowest  all  my  griefs;  and 
thou  canst  sanctify  them  to  me.  I  pray  ihee,  soothe 
and  bless  my  sorrows.  Recompense  me  in  all  of 
them,  by  the  light  of  thy  countenance.  Give  me  the 
blessedness  of  them  that  mourn  with  a  godly  sor- 
row;  for  they  shall  be  comforted.  Restore  unto  me 
the  joys  of  thy  salvation,  and  uphold  me  by  thy  free 
Spirit.  Let  not  m.y  soul  be  cast  down,  nor  grow 
weary  of  life,  nor  rebel  against  thy  will.     Make  me 


93 

to  hear  joy  and  gladness,  that  the  bones  which  thou 
hast  broken  may  rejoice.  When  thou  hast  wrought 
the  purposes  of  thy  sovereignty,  O  give  me  beauty 
for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  and  the  gar- 
ments of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness. 

HAPPINESS. 

Blessed  God,  T  thank  thee  for  that  impulse  of  my 
nature,  by  which  I  am  led  to  pursue  happiness. 
Without  its  refreshing  influence,  life  would  be  but  a 
barren  desert.  Yet,  O  how  has  my  evil  heart  cor- 
rupted this  law  of  thy  benevolence.  Whilst  thou 
hast  given  me  faculties  and  aspirings  for  commu- 
nion with  God,  and  heaven,  and  holiness,  I  have 
sought  my  joys  in  sense,  and  earth,  and  sin.  Lord, 
help  me  to  overcome  this  corruption  of  my  nature. 
May  I  make  my  happiness  subordinate  to  tiiy  glory, 
and  in  unison  with  my  duty.  Dispose  me,  I  pray 
thee,  to  use  the  lawful  pleasures  of  life  temperately, 
and  with  submission  to  thy  will.  Let  not  my  soul 
find  its  portion  in  this  world's  pleasures,  honours,  or 
riches.  Lead  me  to  seek  first  the  kingdom  of  right- 
eousness, and  all  that  I  need  for  my  comfort  shall  be 
added  to  it.  Give  me  the  blessedness  of  the  poor  in 
spirit  and  the  mourners  for  sin  ;  of  the  meek  and 
those  that  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness;  of 
the  merciful  and  the  pure  in  heart;  of  the  peace- 
makers, and  those  who  are  reviled  and  persecuted 
for  Christ's  sake.  May  I  seek  thy  favour,  as  the 
source  and  liCe  of  every  joy.  Comfort  me,  I  pray 
thee,  with  a  sense  of  thy  forgiving  mercy  in  Jesus ; 
and  O,  he  thou  in  him  my  reconciled  God  and  Fa- 
ther. Vouchsafe  unto  me  the  joys  of  holy  commu- 
nion with  the  triune  God,  and  of  faith  in  thy  charac- 
ter, word,  and  providence.     Grant  me  the  delights 


94 

of  thy  rich,  distinguishing,  and  unmerited  grace,  and 
of  an  humble  but  blessed  instrumentality  in  doing 
good. 

Teach  me,  O  Lord,  that  it  is  not  the  lot  of  even 
the  best  of  the  righteous,  to  enjoy  undisturbed  bliss 
in  this  vale  of  tears.  The  deceptions  of  sin  within 
and  without,  the  malice  of  the  wicked,  and  the  as- 
saults of  satan,  often  bring  anguish  on  the  hearts  of 
thy  people.  Incline  me,  therefore,  to  look  at  those 
things  which  are  unseen  and  eternal,  and  to  lay  up 
treasures  where  there  is  no  sin  nor  sorrow,  but  ful- 
ness of  joy  and  pleasures  for  evermore. 

Lord,  lead  those  who  are  seeking  their  happiness 
in  the  perishing  and  corrupting  pleasures  of  the 
world,  to  feel  their  folly  and  guilt.  Show  them  the 
excellency  and  stability  of  the  joys  of  thy  service 
and  salvation ;  and  enable  them  by  thy  grace  in 
Christ,  to  make  thee  the  strength  of  their  hearts  and 
their  portion  for  ever.  Happy  are  the  people  whose 
God  is  the  Lord. 

HEALTH. 

I  thank  thee,  O  Lord,  for  the  comfortable  degree 
of  health  I  have  been  permitted  to  enjoy.  I  bless 
thee  that  thou  hast  healed  my  sicknesses,  and  that 
thou  hast  made  their  seasons  short  and  few,  com- 
pared with  those  in  which  I  have  been  free  from  dis- 
ease and  pain.  Lord,  grant  me  the  healthful  exer- 
cise of  all  the  powers  of  my  mind  and  body.  Lead 
me  to  know  and  follow  those  physical  and  moral  laws 
within  and  around  me,  disobedience  to  which,  will 
disorder  this  structure  which  thou  hast  so  fearfully 
and  wonderfully  made;  but  which,  if  obeyed,  will 
tend  to  promote  my  personal  comfort  and  soundness. 
May  I  make  the  pursuit  of  health,  the  means  ofenQ- 


95 

bling  me  to  grow  in  grace,  to  do  good,  and  to  ad- 
vance the  glory  ot"  God. 

Blessed  Lord,  be  thou  the  Physician  of  my  soul.— 
Heal  my  heart  when  it  is  broken  with  sorrow;  bind 
up  my  conscience  when  it  is  wounded  by  transgres 
sion.  Cleanse  my  mind  from  error,  and  my  spirit 
from  sin ;  and  do  thou  bring  over  my  soul  the  reno- 
vating and  strengthening  joys  of  thy  saving  health. 

HEART. 

O  God,  assist  me  to  keep  my  heart  with  all  dili- 
gence ;  for  out  of  it  are  the  issues  of  life.  May  I  re- 
member that  it  is  by  nature  deceitful  above  all  things, 
and  desperately  wicked  ;  and  that  none  but  God  can 
bring  a  clean  thing  out  of  this  unclean.  Dispose  me, 
I  pray  thee,  to  watch  over  it,  lest  I  fall  into  tempta- 
tion;  to  be  humble  and  mournful  for  its  hardness 
and  sinfulness ;  and  to  seek  earnestly  for  grace  to 
cleanse  me  from  its  secret  faults  and  presumptuous 
sins.  May  I  ever  feel,  O  Lord,  that  thou  searchest 
the  heart,  and  knowest  it  altogether.  Help  me,  I 
beseech  thee,  to  make  thee  the  object  of  its  sincere, 
unchanging,  and  unreserved  love. 

Great  and  Merciful  God,  guide  and  govern  my  af- 
fections, so  that  they  shall  promote  thy  glory,  show 
forth  the  beauty  of  holiness,  and  impart  to  me  peace 
of  conscience,  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  fulness  of 
grace,  and  steadfastness,  through  faith,  unto  com- 
plete redemption.  O  do  thou  give  strength  to  my 
heart  in  all  the  exigencies  of  life — in  the  days  of 
prosperity  and  the  hours  of  affliction — in  Zion's 
troubles  and  joys — in  rejoicing  and  sorrow — in  duty 
and  temptation — in  doubts  and  fears — in  sickness 
and  death.  Give  me  an  inward  propensity  to  holi- 
ness.    Help  me  to  keep  the  avenues  of  my  soul — 


96 

my  eye,  that  it  may  not  lust  after  evil — my  ear,  that 
it  may  be  open  to  God,  and  shut  to  sin — and  my 
thoughts,  that  they  may  not  be  vain  and  unholy. 
Lord,  dispose  me  to  watch  unto  prayer ;  to  ponder 
the  path  of  my  feet ;  to  search  the  Scriptures  ;  and  to 
rely  on  thy  Spirit  to  cleanse  m.e  from  all  that  is  evil, 
and  to  strengthen  me  in  all  that  is  good. 

Mercillil  Father,  persuade  impenitent  sinners  to 
give  their  hearts  to  thee.  Make  them  feel  that  thou 
hast  created  them  for  thine  own ;  that  thou  hast  pur- 
chased them  day  by  day,  by  thy  common  mercies  ; 
and  that  Christ  died  that  they  might  love  thee. 
Make  them  realize,  in  some  degree,  what  it  is  to  be 
cast  off  from  thy  love  for  ever.  O  lead  them  by  the 
terrors  of  the  Lord,  and  by  the  cords  of  love,  to  give 
■thee  their  affections  without  reserve,  whilst  thou  art 
waiting  to  be  gracious.  Whilst  thou  art  calling, 
"  To-day,"  O  may  they  hear  thy  voice,  and  harden 
not  their  hearts ;  but  open  their  consciences  to  con- 
viction of  sin,  and  their  souls  to  the  renewing  of  the 
Holy  Ghost;  so  that  they  may  be  able  to  say, 
"  Whom  have  we  in  heaven  but  thee,  and  there  is 
none  on  earth  that  we  desire  beside  thee." 

HEATHEN. 

Blessed  God,  I  thank  thee  for  the  rich  and  various 
blessings  of  thy  gospel  which  I  am  permitted  to  en« 
joy.  O  may  the  possession  of  them  remind  me  that 
there  are  millions  of  my  fellow-creatures,  as  good  by 
nature  as  I  am,  to  whom  they  are  denied.  Give  me, 
I  pray  thee,  such  a  sense  of  these  mercies,  that  my 
gratitude  to  thee  shall  constantly  urge  me  to  strive 
to  extend  them  to  the  benighted  nations  of  the  earth. 
Make  my  heart  a  fountain  of  compassion  for  the 
wants  and  woes  of  the  heathen ;  and  lead  my  feel- 


97 

ings  into  such  actions  as  shall  make  me  an  instru- 
ment of  giving  them  the  blessings  of  salvation. 
Make  my  conscience  and  heart  feel  the  command 
thou  hast  given  thy  people,  to  preach  the  gospel  to 
every  creature.  O  Lord,  lead  me  to  obey  it  accord- 
ing to  the  dictates  of  thy  Spirit,  and  the  openings  of 
thy  providence.  Grant  that  I  may  regard  it  as  an 
incumbent  duty  and  a  blessed  privilege,  lo  contribute 
of  my  substance,  my  labours,  and  my  prayers,  for 
the  conversion  of  the  world. 

Lord,  I  would  praise  thee  for  what  thou  hast  in- 
clined thy  chosen  generation  to  do,  in  these  days, 
for  the  heathen  world.  O  strengthen  and  bless  all 
their  efforts  which  are  founded  on  obedience  and 
love ;  and  do  thou  lead  them  to  devise  and  execute 
every  measure  which  will  secure  thy  favour.  Im- 
part to  all  thy  churches  a  holy  and  fervent  missiona- 
ry spirit ;  and  cheer  them  by  frequent  tidings,  that 
thou  art  granting  to  the  Gentiles,  repentance  unto 
hfe.  Grant  that  every  attempt  which  is  made  to 
spread  thy  gospel  abroad,  may  result  in  the  revival 
of  pure  religion  at  home. — O  do  thou  give  wisdom 
and  energy  to  those  societies  and  organizations 
which  devise  and  direct  missionary  efforts.  May 
they  be  composed  of  men  of  wisdom,  faithfulness, 
and  prayer  ;  who  shall  have  the  confidence  of  thy 
people,  and  the  favour  of  God  in  their  undertak- 
ings.— Be  pleased,  0  Jehovah,  to  raise  up  and  quali- 
fy many,  who  shall  go  forth  to  the  benighted,  to 
preach  the  everlasting  gospel.  Make  them  men  of 
clean  hands,  holy  hearts,  and  self-denying  labour. — 
Lord,  dispense  thy  choicest  and  fullest  mercies  on 
those  who  are  now  labouring  among  the  heathen. 
Animate  them  with  zeal,  courage,  prayer,  and  hope. 
Be  thou  a  glory  in  the  midst  of  them,  and  a  defence 
9 


98 

round  about  them.  Give  success  to  their  plans  of 
education,  especially  among  the  rising  generation. 
Grant  them  access  to  the  affections,  judgments,  and 
consciences  of  those  whom  they  instruct  in  temporal 
and  spiritual  knowledge  ;  and  give  them  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  thy  work  prospering  in  their  hands. — 
Lord,  look  in  mercy  on  those  who  are  the  objects  of 
the  missionary  enterprise.  Stay  their  hands  from 
cruelty  to  those  who  are  sent  to  them  with  the  gos- 
pel message.  Break  down  every  barrier  of  law,  of 
prejudice,  and  of  enmity ;  and  cause  the  heathen  to 
receive  the  missionary  with  kindness  and  gladness  of 
heart.  Incline  their  ears  and  open  their  hearts  to 
receive  that  truth  which  is  able  to  make  them  wise 
unto  salvation ;  and  grant  that  Christ  may  speedily 
have  the  heathen  for  his  inheritance,  and  the  utter- 
most parts  of  the  earth  for  his  possession. 

HEAVEN. 

O  God,  Most  High,  assist  my  feeble  powers  to 
contemplate  the  bliss  of  heaven.  In  that  blest  land 
the  righteous  shall  hunger  no  more ;  neither  thirst 
any  more ;  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from 
their  eyes.  There  they  shall  understand  all  myste- 
ries and  all  knowledge.  Now  they  see  through  a  glass 
darkly ;  but  then  they  shall  see  face  to  face — now  they 
know  but  in  part ;  but  then  they  shall  know  even  as 
they  are  known.  There  they  shall  dwell  in  the  city 
of  the  living  God,  the  New  Jerusalem,  with  an  innu- 
merable company  of  angels  and  spirits  of  just  men 
made  perfect;  and  shall  sing,  with  unwearied 
tongues,  the  new  song  of  praise  to  the  Lamb,  who 
has  redeemed  them  to  God  by  his  blood,  out  of  every 
kindred  and  tongue,  and  people  and  nation.  There 
they  shall  serve  God  with  fulness  of  joy,  holiness  of 


99 


heart,  and  obedience  of  will :  and  he  that  sittelh  on 
the  throne  shall  dwell  among  them,  the  Lamb  shall 
feed  them,  and  lead  them  to  living  fountains  of 
waters  :  and  thus  they  shall  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord. 

I  thank  thee,  O  God,  that  thou  hast  made  known 
to  us  the  glories  of  the  heavenly  state,  and  that  thou 
hast  taught  us  how  we  may  obtain  them.  Life  and 
immortality  have  been  brought  to  light  by  the  gos- 
pel ;  and  though  the  carnal  eye  halh  not  seen,  nor 
the  ear  heard,  nor  have  entered  into  such  heart,  the 
things  which  thou  hast  prepared  for  them  that  love 
thee  ;  yet  thou  hast  revealed  them  to  thy  children, 
by  thy  Spirit,  as  a  foretaste  of  that  glory  which  shall 
be  made  known  in  the  eternal  life. — O  Lord,  shall  I 
be  a  partaker  of  that  blessedness  ?  Grant  that  the 
contemplation  of  it  may  make  me  feel  the  vanity  of 
earthly  things,  and  lead  me  to  set  my  affections  on 
things  that  are  heavenly  and  divine.  May  I  follow 
after  holiness,  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the 
Lord  ;  and  seek  a  building  of  God,  a  house  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 

Lord,  grant  that  visions  of  heavenly  glory  may 
quicken  the  hopes,  and  purify  the  hearts,  and  ani- 
mate the  zeal  of  thy  chosen  people.  May  they  have 
thy  grace  in  them,  as  a  rich  prelude  to  the  joys  of 
everlasting  life.  May  they  show  by  their  lives,  that 
here  they  have  no  abiding  place,  no  continuing  city; 
but  that  they  seek  a  better,  even  a  heavenly. — 
Lead  them,  O  Lord,  while  they  strive  to  work  out 
their  own  salvation,  to  seek  to  bring  others  into  the 
path  of  eternal  life.  Make  them  feel  that  their  own 
happiness  and  glory  in  the  future  state,  will  be 
greatly  increased  by  here  turning  souls  unto  righte- 
ousness :  for  then  they  shall  shine  as  the  brightness 


100 


of  the  firmament,  and  as  the  stars  for  ever  and 
ever. 

Blessed  Lord,  convince  the  worldly  minded  and 
sinful,  of  the  perishing  and  depraving  nature  of  tem- 
poral things  ;  and  of  the  exalted  and  eternal  treasures 
thou  hast  laid  up  in  the  home  of  the  righteous.  In- 
duce them,  by  thy  Spirit,  to  renounce  the  world,  the 
flesh,  and  the  devil ;  and  to  seek  that  faith  in  Christ, 
that  purity  of  heart,  and  that  compliance  with  thy 
will,  by  which  they  shall  be  made  meet  for  the  in- 
heritance of  the  saints  in  light.  And  to  thy  name, 
Father,  Son,  and  Spirit,  shall  be  the  glory  of  their 
salvation  for  ever. 

HELL. 

O  Lord,  give  me  a  deep  conviction  of  the  awful 
truth,  that  thou  hast  ordained  and  fixed  a  place  of 
torment  for  all  the  finally  impenitent — a  bottomless 
pit,  where  there  is  the  blackness  of  darkness — a  pri- 
son, where  there  is  weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth — 
a  lake  of  fire,  where  the  smoke  of  their  torment 
ascendeth  for  ever.  There  they  will  remember  their 
ungodly  deeds  ;  their  multiplied  mercies  ;  the  riches 
of  thy  long-suffering  which  they  despised ;  the  in- 
struction they  hated  ;  and  their  hardness  and  impeni- 
tence of  heart,  whereby  they  treasured  unto  them- 
selves wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath.  There  they 
shall  have  cruel  fellowship  with  the  devil  and  his 
angels :  hatred  and  malice,  and  every  evil  passion, 
shall  vex  their  souls ;  while  around,  and  above,  and 
beneath  them,  will  be  indignation  and  wrath,  tribu- 
lation and  anguish. 

Lord,  let  not  my  heart  ever  rebel  against  the  wis- 
dom and  righteousness  of  thy  punitive  justice.  Just 
and  true  are  all  thy  ways,  thou  King  of  Saints. 


101 


Teach  me,  O  God,  by  the  deep  damnation  of  the 
wicked,  that  thou  hatest  sin,  and  lovest  holiness; 
and  that  thou  art  thus  promoting  the  obedience  and 
welfare  of  the  universe,  and  sustaining  thy  character 
as  the  moral  Governor  of  creation. 

Assist  me,  God  of  Grace,  to  flee  from  the  wrath 
to  come,  and  to  lay  hold  of  eternal  life,  through  the 
Saviour.  But  O,  let  me  not  be  satisfied  with  my 
own  safety.  May  I  seek  the  salvation  of  those  that 
are  in  the  broad  way  of  ruin.  Impel  me  by  keen 
sympathy  for  their  danger,  and  love  for  their  happi- 
ness, to  put  forth  such  efforts  of  prayer  and  labour, 
as  shall  be  the  means  of  saving  some  that  are 
ready  to  perish. 

O  do  thou  arouse  the  church  to  a  conviction  of  her 
duty  to  a  perishing  world.  Let  none  of  thy  people 
dishonour  their  calling,  by  carelessness  about  the 
eternal  welfare  of  the  impenitent.  May  each  one 
feel  the  powers  of  the  world  to  come ;  and  by  earnest 
supplication,  and  by  fervent  action,  strive  for  the 
blessedness  of  converting  sinners  from  their  danger- 
ous ways,  and  of  saving  souls  from  the  second 
death. 

Lord,  I  beseech  thee,  give  the  wicked  such  views 
of  the  everlasting  destruction  awaiting  the  unrepent- 
ing  sinner,  as  shall  lead  them  to  consider  the  mercy 
that  has  provided  a  way  of  escape  from  perdition. 
Persuade  them  by  thy  terrors,  to  be  reconciled  to 
thee  by  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant.  O 
make  many,  who  now  seem  to  be  vessels  of  wrath, 
fitting  for  destruction,  to  be  vessels  of  mercy,  pre- 
paring for  glory ;  who  shall  be  kept  by  thy  power 
through  faith,  unto  final  salvation;  where  the  grace 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and 
9* 


102 

the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  which  are  begun 
on  e^rth,  shall  be  perfected  for  ever. 

HOLINESS. 

Heavenly  Father,  grant  me  the  spirit  of  holiness. 
O  restore  me  to  thy  blessed  image,  and  transform 
me  by  the  renewing  of  my  mind,  that  I  may  know 
thy  will,  and  present  myself  a  living  sacrifice,  holy 
and  acceptable,  which  is  my  reasonable  service. 
Mould  my  character  by  thy  word,  and  lead  me  to 
obey  that  form  of  doctrine  which  thou  hast  delivered 
to  me.  Make  me  spiritually  minded,  which  is  life  and 
peace.  O  enable  me  to  say,  "  Behold,  old  things 
are  passed  away ;  all  things  are  become  new." 

Lord,  make  me  a  partaker  of  thy  holiness,  and 
lead  me  in  the  paths  of  righteousness,  for  thy  name's  «. 
sake.  But  let  me  not  forget  that  this  great  work  iair*' 
not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flesh,  nor  of  the 
will  of  man,  but  of  God.  My  heart  is  by  nature 
desperately  wicked ;  and  unless  thou  give  me  the 
sanctifying  power  of  thy  Spirit,  I  shall  remain  dead 
in  trespasses  and  sins.  Renew  me,  I  beseech  thee, 
in  the  spirit  of  my  mind,  turn  me  from  darkness  unto 
light,  and  put  on  me  the  new  man,  which  after  God 
is  created  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness. 

Blessed  Lord,  let  me  not  regard  iniquity  in  my 
heart,  nor  roll  sin  as  a  sweet  morsel  under  my 
tongue.  Make  me  feel  all  the  motives  that  should 
deter  me  from  transgression. — Teach  me  to  be  holy, 
because  thou  art  holy. — Grant  me  such  views  of  the 
cross  of  Christ,  as  shall  lead  me  to  hate  and  forsake 
sin.  Thou  didst  choose  thy  saints  in  Christ,  before 
the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  they  should  be  holy 
and  without  blame  before  thee  in  love:  and  he  gave 
himself  for  them  that  he  might  redeem  them  from  all 


103 

iniquity,  and  purify  unto  himself  a  peculiar  people.— 
O  may  the  hope  of  his  salvation,  prompt  me  to  pu- 
rify myself  even  as  he  is  pure.  Make  me  feel  the 
guilt,  misery,  and  danger  of  sin. — Assist  me  to 
mortify  the  flesh  with  the  affections  and  lusts  thereof, 
that  I  may  live  in  thy  favour. — May  I  remember 
that  the  eyes  of  men  are  upon  me ;  let  me  not  cause 
thy  name  to  be  blasphemed  through  my  transgres- 
sions.— Instruct  me  that  thy  glory  requires  me  to 
hate  evil ;  for  thou  hast  made  thy  people  a  holy  na- 
tion, to  show  forth  the  praises  of  him  who  has  called 
them  from  darkness  into  light. — O  God,  make  me 
pure  in  heart ;  for  without  holiness  no  man  shall  see 
the  Lord  ;  and  there  shall  in  no  wise  enter  into  hea- 
ven, any  thing  that  defileth. 

Lord,  assist  me,  J  beseech  thee,  in  this  great  duty 
of  personal  sanclificalion.  Let  thy  grace  be  in  me 
as  a  perpetual  fountain  of  godliness.  May  I  go  from 
strength  to  strength,  and  may  my  path  be  as  the 
shining  hght,  which  shineth  more  and  more,  unto 
the  perfect  day.  O  fill  me  with  the  fruits  of  righte- 
ousness, which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  unto  the  glory 
and  praise  of  God. 

HOLINESS  OF  GOD. 

Lord,  thou  art  glorious  in  holiness.  There  is  no 
stain  on  thy  will,  and  no  spot  on  thy  character:  the 
righteous  Lord  loveth  righteousness.  Just,  and  true, 
and  pure  are  all  thy  thoughts,  purposes,  and  doings. 
Thou  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  countenance  evil  in 
others ;  and  thou  canst  not  look  on  sin  without  ab- 
horrence. Thou  art  angry  with  the  wicked  every 
day,  and  wilt  cast  them,  unless  they  repent,  into 
everlasting  destruction.    Even  the  heavens  are  not 


104 


clean  in  thy  sight ;  and  thou  chargest  thine  angels 
with  folly. 

Blessed  God,  teach  me  the  beauty  of  thy  holiness. 
0,it  is  the  life  and  perfection  of  thy  cliaracter.  Thou 
hast  shown  it  in  all  thy  ways — in  the  works  of  cre- 
ation, which  were  all  very  good — in  thy  providence, 
by  which  thou  hast  sought  to  make  us  partakers  of 
thy  holiness — in  thy  grace,  which  teaches  us  to  deny 
ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts — in  the  gift  of  Jesus, 
who  came  to  save  us  from  the  guilt  and  dominion  of 
sin — in  thy  truth,  by  which  we  are  sanctified  : — and 
thou  wilt  show  it  in  the  awful  decisions  of  the  last 
day,  when  the  wicked  shall  go  away  into  everlast- 
ing punishment,  but  the  righteous  into  life  eternal. 

O  Lord,  may  a  sense  of  thy  holiness  awe  and 
control  my  spirit.  May  it  dispose  me  to  walk  hum- 
bly in  thy  sight :  for  if  the  holy  ones  of  heaven  veil 
their  faces  before  thee,  it  becomes  me  to  lie  in  the 
dust,  and  to  cry,  "  Guilty;  unclean  :  God  be  merci- 
ful to  me  a  sinner."  Teach  me  that  there  is  no  com- 
munion between  God  and  unholy  spirits ;  and  that 
none  but  the  pure  in  heart  can  enjoy  thy  favour,  or 
see  thy  face  in  righteousness.  May  I  learn  more 
and  more  the  excellence  of  the  Saviour  whom  thou 
hast  provided  for  sinners:  for  if  we  were  not  ac- 
cepted in  the  Beloved,  none  could  be  justified  in  thy 
sight.  Cause  a  conviction  of  thy  sinless  perfection 
to  fill  me  with  reverence  in  all  my  approaches  to 
thee  ;  and  suffer  me  not  to  forget  that  if  I  regard 
iniquity  in  my  heart,  thou  wilt  not  hear  my  suppli- 
cations. O  give  me  such  contemplations  of  thy  ho- 
liness as  shall  cause  me  to  die  unto  sin  and  live 
unto  righteousness.  And  may  J,  beholding  as  in  a 
glass  its  glory,  be  changed  into  the  same  image, 
from  glory  to  glory. 


105 


HOLY  SPIRIT. 

Blessed  and  Triune  God,  enable  me  to  understand 
the  character  and  offices  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Thou 
hast  revealed  him  to  us  as  a  partner  of  the  deity, 
who  exercises  the  attributes  of  the  Most  High,  and 
does  the  works  of  the  Almighty.  O  may  my 
thoughts  of  him  be  such  as  become  me  when  I  me- 
ditate on  the  name  of  God.  I  thank  thee  that  thou 
hast  sent  that  Spirit  to  convince  the  world  of  sin,  of 
righteousness,  and  of  judgment.  Grant,  O  Lord, 
that  I  may  share  in  all  his  blessed  influences,  and 
that  they  may  be  in  me  as  a  well  of  water  spring- 
ing up  into  everlasting  life.  May  they  be  as  show- 
ers that  water  the  earth,  imparting  to  my  soul 
growth,  beauty,  and  fruitfulness,  and  giving  me  fa- 
vour in  the  sight  of  God  and  man. 

Blessed  Spirit,  show  me  my  sinfulness,  apply  to 
me  the  redemption  purchased  by  Christ,  mortify  the 
deeds  of  the  body,  and  renew  me  day  by  day  in  thy 
holy  image.  O  do  thou  lead  me  into  the  knowledge 
of  truth,  make  intercession  within  me  in  prayer,  bear 
witness  with  my  spirit  that  lama  child  of  God,  and 
seal  me  with  that  promise  which  is  an  earnest  until 
the  redemption  of  the  purchased  possession.  Be 
thou  my  comforter  in  sorrow,  my  strength  in  weak- 
ness, my  shield  in  temptation,  my  teacher  in  igno- 
rance, my  security  in  joy,  my  leader  in  the  laby- 
rinths of  life,  and  my  consolation  in  the  hour  of 
death. 

Lord,  pour  out  thy  Spirit  on  all  thy  servants. 
May  they  enjoy,  in  the  fullest  measure,  those  fruits 
which  are  love,  joy,  peace,  long-suffering,  goodness, 
meekness,  gentleness,  temperance,  faith.  Persuade 
them  to  set  a  high  value  on  these  things,  and  to  seek 


106 

them  by  fervent  and  believing  prayer.  Cause  them 
to  live  in  continual  dependence  on  divine  influence, 
and  to  walk  worthy  of  the  character  of  that  Holy 
Agent.  Make  them  his  living  temples,  where  there 
shall  be  the  incense  of  prayer,  praise,  and  holy  obe- 
dience. May  he  sanctify  their  hearts,  bind  them 
closer  by  faith  to  Christ,  make  them  wise  unto  sal- 
vation, and  prepare  them  for  their  eternal  weight  of 
glory. 

Lord,  I  would  praise  thy  name  for  the  power 
which  the  Holy  Ghost  has  exerted  over  the  con- 
sciences and  wills  of  sinners,  in  leading  them  to  feel 
their  guilt  and  danger,  and  in  persuading  and  ena- 
bling them  to  accept  the  plan  of  salvation.  O  con- 
tinue and  increase  these  manifestations  of  thy  mer- 
cy. Let  not  the  ungodly  grieve  thy  Spirit,  and  be 
left  to  ripen  for  perdition.  Let  none  wrest  to  their 
own  destruction  the  truth,  that  they  must  be  born 
again  by  the  Holy  Ghost :  but  may  they  make  it 
the  anchor  of  their  hope,  and  receive  with  gladness 
those  ministrations  which  are  life  because  ot  righte- 
ousness. O  do  thou  convince,  convert,  and  sanctify 
multitudes  who  now  live  after  the  flesh  ;  and  do 
thou  lead  them,  in  the  exercises  of  a  spiritual  life,  to 
glorify  thy  grace  on  earth,  and  enjoy  the  fellowship 
of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit  in  heaven. 


Lord,  grant  me  a  good  hope  through  grace.  May 
it  be  the  fruit  of  thy  Spirit,  and  be  rooted  and  ground- 
ed in  that  faith  by  which  we  receive  the  atonement 
of  the  Messiah  ;  for  other  foundation  can  no  man 
lay  than  that  which  is  laid  in  Jesus  Christ.  May  it 
be  a  hope  that  maketh  not  ashamed  ;  that  purifleth 
the  heart ;  that  is  a  helmet  of  salvation ;  and  an  an- 


107 

chor  of  Ihe  soul,  both  sure  and  steadfast,  which  en- 
ters into  that  within  the  veil,  and  rejoices  in  the 
expectation  of  the  glory  of  God.  O  may  it  prompt 
me  to  seek  to  bring  others  into  the  same  fellowship  of 
joy,  that  we  together  may  share  the  promise  of  life. 
Teach  the  wicked,  O  God,  that  a  door  of  hope 
has  been  opened  for  the  chief  of  sinners  : — a  way  of 
access  to  pardon,  in  which  thou  canst  be  just,  and 
still  be  the  juslifier  of  them  that  believe  in  Jesus. 
Show  ihem  that  the  expectation  of  the  wicked  shall 
perish,  and  that  the  trust  of  the  hypocrite  shall  be 
as  the  spider's  web  :  while  the  hope  of  the  righte- 
ous shall  be  gladness  and  assurance  for  ever.  I  pray 
thee  bring  many  sinners  to  the  footstool  of  thy 
throne,  to  learn  the  blessedness  of  putting  their  con- 
fidence in  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant ; 
from  which  only  can  they  receive  the  promise  of 
the  life  that  now  is,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come. 

HOSPITALITY. 

Lord,  give  me  the  spirit  of  hospitality.  Grant 
me  a  heart  of  generosity,  that  will  take  pleasure  in 
reciprocating  the  kindness  of  domestic  life,  and  in 
supplying  the  wants  of  the  stranger  and  the  desti- 
tute. May  I  remember  that  some,  in  so  doing,  have 
entertained  angels  unawares  ;  and  that  thou  hast 
said,  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.  Thou 
hast  commanded  us  to  use  hospitality,  without  grudg- 
ing ;  and  hast  promised  that  those  who  do  so  shall 
be  recompensed  at  the  resurrection  of  the  just. 

Lord,  thou  art  good  to  all  :  thy  tender  mercies 
are  over  all  thy  works.  Even  thine  enemies  share 
richly  in  thy  bounty.  Incline  me,  therefore,  to  be 
merciful,  even  as  thou  art  merciful.  Lead  me  to  do 
good,  and  to  communicate  ;  for  with  such  sacrifices 


108 

thou  art  well  pleased.  Dispose  me  to  be  an  almo- 
ner of  thy  bounty.  As  I  have  freely  received,  so 
may  I  freely  give.  * 

HUMAN  DEPRAVITY. 

Lord,  thou  didst  create  man,  after  thine  own  im- 
age, in  knowledge  and  holiness  ;  but  he  fell  from 
the  estate  wherein  he  was  created,  by  sinning  against 
God  ;  and  now,  by  his  fall,  all  mankind  have  lost 
communion  with  God,  are  under  thy  wrath  and 
curse,  and  are  made  liable  to  all  the  miseries  of  this 
life,  to  death  itself,  and  to  the  pains  of  hell  forever. 
Thou  didst  indeed  make  man  upright ;  but  he  has 
sought  out  many  inventions.  His  gold  has  become 
dim,  and  his  most  fine  gold  is  changed.  And  now 
the  heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is  full  of  evil :  the  car- 
nal mind  is  enmity  against  God  :  they  are  all  gone 
out  of  the  way :  there  is  none  righteous  ;  no,  not 
one.  O  Lord,  every  where  I  behold  the  records  of 
human  depravity.  The  pages  of  history,  the  ex- 
perience of  my  own  heart,  the  witness  of  my  eyes, 
and  the  news  brought  on  every  breeze,  tell  me  that 
man  is  a  sinner.  And  yet  for  every  spark  of  sin  in 
the  outward  life  of  every  man,  there  has  been  a 
raging  flame  of  transgression  in  his  hidden  nature. 
O  let  not  my  mind  be  swayed  from  this  truth,  be- 
cause there  are  some,  who  in  their  natural  and  un- 
redeemed state,  seem  to  be  not  far  from  the  king- 
dom of  God :  for  if  thou  hadst  not  controlled  their 
characters  and  shaped  their  destinies,  they  also  had 
been  the  vilest  of  the  vile.  Suffer  me  not,  in  my 
intercourse  with  children,  to  suppose,  from  their 
comparative  innocence  and  docility,  that  they  are 
not  depraved  :  for  O,  thy  testimony  against  them  is, 


109 

that  they  go  astray  from  the  womb  ;  and  that  folly 
is  bound  up  in  their  hearts. 

Lord,  give  me  an  ever-present  conviction  of  this 
solemn  doctrine,  that  I  may  watch  and  pray  against 
the  evil  tendencies  of  my  own  heart,  and  also  look 
with  earnest  anxiety  on  the  condition  of  those  who 
have  not  been  brought  to  know  and  forsake  their 
iniquities.  Enable  me  to  realize  its  nature  and  ex- 
tent— to  understand  that  the  most  unsanctified  sel- 
fishness has  usurped  the  sceptre  which  God  should 
sway  in  the  heart ;  and  that  all  men  are,  in  their  na- 
tural character,  utterly  destitute  of  holiness,  and  en- 
tirely sinful.  Lord,  permit  not  my  thoughts  to  im- 
peach thy  wisdom,  or  justice,  or  holiness,  when  I 
meditate  on  this  truth  ;  for  thou  hast  laid  no  stern 
necessity  on  us  that  we  should  sin;  and  we,  we  only, 
are  guilty  before  thee  in  our  transgressions.  O  God, 
subdue  the  corruption  of  my  nature,  and  make  me  a 
new  creature  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Blessed  Lord,  convince  the  wicked  of  their  deep- 
rooted  depravity ;  and  that  unless  they  are  born 
again,  they  must  be  shut  out  of  the  kingdom  of 
God.  Show  them  that  they  have  destroyed  them- 
selves; while  in  thee  only  is  their  help.  Teach 
them  that  thou  hast  sought  their  repentance  by  the 
every-day  mercies  of  life ;  by  the  offers  of  pardon, 
and  by  the  threats  of  vengeance  :  and  yet  they  have 
abused  thy  gifts,  and  turned  a  deaf  ear  to  thine  en- 
treaties and  warnings.  Show  them  that  the  way  of 
the  wicked  is  darkness,  and  the  end  thereof  eternal 
death  :  while  the  path  of  the  just  is  as  the  shining 
light,  and  his  reward  a  blissful  eternity.  Whilst 
thou  art  revealing  to  them  the  enormity  of  their  guilt, 
show  them  the  surpassing  extent  of  the  redemption 
thou  hast  provided  for  it.  O  may  thy  Spirit  trans- 
10 


110 

form  their  corrupt  wills,  and  renew  their  depraved 
affections.  Save  them  by  the  washing  of  regene- 
ration, and  the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  that 
being  sanctified  by  grace,  they  shall  be  made  par- 
takers of  thy  holiness,  and  heirs  of  eternal  life. 

HUMILITY. 

Heavenly  Father,  give  me  such  views  of  thine 
infinite  excellence  and  of  my  unworthiness,  as  shall 
humble  me  in  the  dust  before  thee.  Thou  art  the 
infinite,  eternal,  and  unchangeable  Jehovah  ;  and  all 
thine  attributes  and  works  are  excellent  and  glo- 
rious. But  as  for  us,  we  dwell  on  the  footstool  of 
thy  dominion,  and  live  every  moment  at  the  expense 
of  thy  goodness.  We  are  ignorant ;  not  knowing 
what  a  day  may  bring  forth.  We  are  helpless ;  not 
being  able  to  make  one  hair  white  or  black.  We 
are  by  nature  the  children  of  wrath  ;  and  even  in 
our  best  estate,  when  thy  Spirit  has  wrought  upon 
our  hearts,  it  becomes  us  to  say,  "  God  be  merciful 
to  us  sinners."  Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  art 
mindful  of  him ;  or  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visit- 
est  him  ? 

Lord,  I  would  remember  that  he  who  was  the 
brightness  of  his  Father's  glory  abased  himself,  and 
led  a  life  of  trial  and  reproach,  and  suffered  a  death 
of  cruelty  and  shame.  O  God,  make  me  a  follower 
of  him  who  was  thus  meek  and  lowly.  Lo,  the  an- 
gels of  heaven  veil  their  faces  before  thee,  in  ex- 
pressive token  of  inferiority  and  unworthiness.  How 
much  more  should  I  humble  myself  in  thy  holy  pre- 
sence. Thanks  be  to  thy  name,  this  which  is  my 
duty,  is  also  my  privilege.  Thou  hast  given  thy 
promise  to  humility  ;  saying,  that  he  who  humbleth 
himself  shall  be  exalted.     Thou  hast  been  pleased  to 


Ill 

put  matchless  and  unspeakable  honour  in  it,  by  mak- 
ing the  contrite  heart  thy  dwelling  place.  O  may 
this  grace  control  my  life.  May  it  dwell  in  my 
heart,  teacliing  me  my  proper  character.  May  it 
pervade  my  walk,  leading  me  to  meekness  of  speech 
and  action,  and  controlling  my  spirit  both  in  pros- 
perity and  adversity.  May  it  fit  me  for  doing  thy 
holy  will  in  all  things. 

Lord,  clothe  all  thy  followers  with  humility. 
Make  them  feel  their  infinite  disparity  with  thee. 
May  they,  in  lowliness  of  mind,  esteem  others  better 
than  themselves.  Let  them  not  be  high-minded,  but 
fear :  and  while  they  think  they  stand,  may  they 
take  heed  lest  they  fall.  May  they  look  back  to  the 
hole  of  the  pit  whence  they  were  digged.  Teach 
them  that  thou  hatest  the  pride  of  man  ;  and  that 
thou  wilt  give  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  them  only 
who  are  poor  in  spirit. 

HYPOCRISY. 

God  of  Truth,  let  a  sense  of  thy  presence,  and  a 
regard  for  thy  will,  preserve  me  from  the  odious  sin 
of  hypocrisy.  Let  me  not  insult  thee  with  a  lip  ser- 
vice, while  my  heart  is  far  from  thee :  nor  with  a 
form  of  compliance  with  thy  law,  while  my  soul 
pursues  the  carnal  pleasures  of  earth.  Thou  art 
not  deceived,  and  thou  canst  not  be  mocked  ;  be- 
cause thou  searchest  all  hearts,  and  understandest 
all  the  imaginations  of  the  thoughts.  O  make  me 
feel  both  the  folly  and  vileness  of  this  transgression. 
Thou  hast  said  that  the  hope  of  the  hypocrite  shall 
perish,  and  that  his  trust  shall  be  as  the  spider's 
web.  Thou  hatest  them  that  cover  up  their  wick- 
edness ;  who  are  like  whited  sepulchres,  which  in- 
deed appear  beautiful  outward,  but  within  are  full  of 


112 

dead  men's  bones  and  all  manner  of  uncleanness. 
God  forbid  that  I  should  have  only  the  name  with- 
out the  character  of  godliness.  Makn  thou  my  hfe 
the  symbol  of  my  heart,  and  my  heart  the  living 
record  of  thy  commandments. 

Keep  me,  O  God,  from  hypocrisy  towards  my 
fellow  creatures.  Restrain  me  from  desiring  or  at- 
tempting to  make  any  deceptive  impression  on  them. 
Let  no  guile  be  found  in  my  tongue,  nor  affectation 
of  righteousness  in  my  walk.  Let  me  not  outwardly 
appear  righteous  to  men,  while  within  I  am  full  of 
hypocrisy  and  iniquity.  Keep  me  from  a  double 
mind  and  flattering  lips,  and  from  all  disposition  to 
make  or  love  a  lie.  Let  not  my  heart  be  set  on  the 
applause  or  patronage  of  men ;  but  on  the  favour 
of  God,  and  on  that  final  plaudit :  "  Well  done, 
good  and  faithful  servant,  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of 
thy  Lord." 

IDOLATRY. 

Great  God,  look  in  mercy  on  those  who  are  bow- 
ing down  to  gods  which  their  own  hands  have  made, 
or  worshipping  the  things  thou  hast  created,  and 
which  are  dependent  on  thee  for  their  being.  O  Lord, 
further  every  effort  that  is  made  to  spread  light 
among  the  dark  places  of  the  earth.  May  bright- 
ness spring  up  to  them  that  sit  in  the  region  and 
shadow  of^  death.  Cause  the  isles  to  wait  for  thy 
law,  and  the  gentiles  to  come  to  thy  light.  Bring 
many  from  the  east  and  the  west,  who  shall  sit 
down  with  Abraham,  and  Isaac  and  Jacob,  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.  Make  the  wilderness  and  so- 
litary place  to  be  glad  ;  and  the  desert  to  rejoice  and 
blossom  as  the  rose.  Say  to  the  north,  "  Give  up," 
and  to  the  south,  "  Hold  not  back."  Bring  thy  sons 


113 

from  afar,  and  thy  daughters  from  the  ends  of  the 
earth.  Lord,  grant  that  the  heathen  may  learn  the 
folly  and  wickedness  of  their  worship,  and  casting 
Iheir  idols  to  the  moles  and  the  bats,  honour  and 
serve  the  living  God.  Lord,  thou  seest  that  this  har- 
vest is  plenteous,  but  the  labourers  are  few.  Send 
forth  labourers  into  it,  who  shall  be  the  means  of 
dispelling  every  form  of  superstition,  and  spreading 
the  day-spring  of  thy  gospel :  until  every  heart 
shall  be  an  altar,  and  every  tongue  a  voice  of  praise, 
unto  him  that  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  unto  the 
Lamb,  for  ever. 

Blessed  Lord,  keep  my  own  heart  from  idolatry. 
Thou  art  God  ;  and  beside  thee  there  is  none  other. 
Suffer  me  not  to  idolize  the  world,  nor  any  thing 
that  is  in  the  world.  Let  no  created  good  supplant 
thy  dominion  over  my  heart.  Let  no  object  of  af- 
fection divert  from  thee  that  supreme  love  which  I 
owe  thee,  as  my  Creator,  Preserver,  and  Redeemer. 
What  concord  hath  Christ  with  Belial  ?  what  agree- 
ment should  the  temple  of  God  have  with  idols  ?  Be 
thou  to  me  my  all,  and  in  all.  Persuade  and  con- 
trol my  soul  to  acknowledge  thee  as  the  only  true 
God,  and  my  God  ;  and  to  worship  and  glorify  thee 
accordingly. 

Immortality. — See  Eternity,  Heaven,  Helh 

IMMUTABILITY  OF  GOD. 

Thou,  Lord,  in  the  beginning,  hast  laid  the  foun- 
dation of  the  earth,  and  the  heavens  are  the  works 
of  thy  hands  :  they  shall  perish  ;  but  thou  remain- 
est ;  and  they  all  shall  wax  old,  as  doth  a  garment; 
and  as  a  vesture  shalt  thou  fold  them  up,  and  they 
shall  be  changed :  but  thou  art  the  same,  and  thy 
10^ 


114 


years  shall  not  fail.  In  all  the  perfections  of  thy 
nature  there  is  no  variableness,  nor  shadow  of  turn- 
ing. Thy  counsels  of  old  are  faithfulness  and  truth. 
Thy  promises  are  Yea  and  Amen,  in  Christ  Jesus. 
And  thy  decrees  of  salvation,  or  of  condemnation, 
stand  fast  for  ever.  O  Lord,  make  me  feel  my  own 
fickleness  of  heart  and  mind,  and  my  uncertainty  of 
being,  that  I  may  be  better  prepared  to  adore  and 
trust  thee  as  the  unchangeable  God. 

INCOMPREHENSIBLENESS  OF  GOD. 

Who  can  by  searching,  find  out  God  ?  Thou 
dwellest  in  light  that  no  man  can  approach  unto. 
The  knowledge  of  thee  is  high  as  heaven ;  deeper 
than  hell — and  the  measure  thereof  is  longer  than 
the  earth,  and  broader  than  the  sea.  The  thunder 
of  thy  power  who  can  understand  ?  The  number  of 
thy  years  cannot  be  searched  out.  Thine  under- 
standing is  infinite.  Thou  doest  great  things,  past 
finding  out,  and  wonders  without  number.  Thy  way 
is  in  the  sea,  thy  path  in  the  great  waters,  and  thy 
footsteps  are  not  known.  But  greater  than  all 
things  else  is  the  mystery  of  godliness,  God  mani- 
fest in  the  flesh,  to  reconcile  the  world  unto  himself, 
and  make  reconciliation  for  the  sins  of  the  people. 
O  the  depth  of  the  riches,  both  of  the  wisdom  and 
knowledge  of  God  !  How  unsearchable  are  thy  judg- 
ments, and  thy  ways  past  finding  out.  Great  Jeho- 
vah, help  me  to  bow  before  thee  with  mingled  sen- 
sations of  adoration,  fear,  and  humility. 

INDEPENDENCY    OF    GOD. 

Thou  art  the  uncreated,  self-existent,  indepen- 
dent Jehovah.  Who  hath  been  thy  counsellor ;  who 
hath  taught  thee  the  path  of  judgment ;  or  showed 


115 

Ihee  the  ivay  of  understanding? — Thou  hast  stretch- 
ed forth  the  heavens  alone,  and  spread  the  earth  by 
thyself:  thou  faintest  not,  neither  art  weary  with 
labour  :  thou  art  everlasting  strength. — Thou  need- 
est  not  the  wisdom  nor  power  of  any  to  help  thee  in 
the  measures  of  thy  government ;  for  they  are  all 
thy  creatures,  and  thy  counsel  standeth  for  ever. 
Thou  art  not  worshipped  as  though  thou  needest 
any  thing  ;  every  beast  of  the  forest  being  thine,  with 
the  cattle  upon  a  thousand  hills;  and  thou  givest  unto 
all,  life,  and  breath,  and  all  things:  yea,  thou  art 
exalted  above  blessing  and  praise. 

Lord,  make  me  understand  that  I  am  dependent 
on  thee  for  life,  for  hope,  for  blessing,  for  every 
thing.  O  dispose  me  to  seek  thee,  as  the  source  of 
every  right  feeling,  and  the  fountain  of  every  pure 
joy.  Of  thee,  and  through  thee,  and  unto  thee,  are 
all  things ;  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever. 

INFIDELITY. 

God  of  Light,  destroy  those  various  forms  of  in- 
fidelity which  exalt  themselves  against  God  and 
truth  ;  and  which  are  gathering  snares  and  destruc- 
tion upon  multitudes  of  immortal  souls.  Teach  all 
men  that  these  delusions  are  the  offspring  of  human 
depravity,  and  ignorance,  and  the  fruitful  sources  of 
misery,  vice,  and  ruin.  They  who  cherish  them 
love  darkness  rather  than  light,  because  their  deeds 
are  evil ;  and  they  choose  the  fruits  of  death,  rather 
than  come  to  thee  and  obtain  life.  They  walk  in 
the  vanity  of  their  mind,  having  the  understanding 
darkened,  being  alienated  from  the  life  of  God, 
through  the  ignorance  that  is  in  them ;  because  of 
the  blindness  of  their  heart.  Religion  would  have 
no  foes  if  it  were  not  the  enemy  of  sin.    And  yet, 


116 


O  Lord,  have  not  the  dissensions  and  sins  of  those 
who  profess  thy  name  greatly  contributed  to  in- 
crease the  scepticism  of  the  unbelieving  heart?  O 
how  has  the  cause  of  Christ  been  wounded  in  the 
house  of  his  friends  !  Take  away,  I  beseech  thee, 
every  root  of  bitterness  from  thy  church  ;  and  cause 
thy  people  so  to  live,  that  even  the  infidel  shall  be 
led  to  glorify  our  Father  in  heaven.  Blessed  God, 
scatter  every  mist  of  error  and  sin,  by  the  light  of 
truth ;  and  bring  all  mankind  to  submit  their  judg- 
ments and  bow  their  wills  to  the  teachings  of  thy 
written  word.  Give  it  victory  over  all  that  pollutes, 
and  degrades,  and  ruins  man — in  behalf  of  all  that 
purifies,  exalts,  and  saves  him.  May  it  subdue  his 
understanding  to  truth,  his  habits  to  righteousness, 
and  his  heart  to  a  peace  which  the  world  can  neither 
give  nor  take  away. 

INaUIRERS. 

Merciful  God,  dispose  many  to  ask  the  fearfully 
solemn  and  important  question,  "  What  must  I  do  to 
be  saved  r"  Fasten  in  the  minds  of  such  a  thorough 
conviction  of  the  exceeding  guilt  of  sin.  May  thy 
Spirit  show  them  its  enormity,  as  committed  against 
the  author  of  their  being  and  the  giver  of  their  mer- 
cies. Make  them  feel  their  lost  condition,  without 
hope  and  without  God  in  the  world,  and  thy  wrath 
abiding  on  them.  Show  them  their  own  inability 
to  save  themselves,  and  that  their  every  effort,  that 
is  not  seconded  and  sanctified  by  the  Spirit,  sinks 
them  deeper  in  their  condemnation.  Set  clearly  be- 
fore their  minds  the  necessity  and  value  of  salva- 
tion through  the  blood  of  Jesus :  for  they  that  reject 
It  shall  perish  with  an  everlasting  destruction,  while 
they  who  accept  it  shall  be  redeemed  from  the  domi- 


117 

nion  and  penalty  of  sin,  and  be  blessed  with  the  fa- 
vour of  a  reconciled  God  for  ever.  O  give  them 
earnest  desires  for  that  redemption ;  desires  that 
spring  from  convictions  of  the  worth  of  the  soul — the 
wrath  of  an  offended  Judge — the  tender  love  of  a 
dying  and  interceding  Saviour — the  bliss  that  shall 
be  revealed  lo  the  saints  above — and  the  glory  of 
the  Most  High,  who  will  cause  their  salvation  to 
praise  him.  Lord,  make  them  fearful  of  grieving 
away  the  strivings  of  thy  Spirit.  Let  them  not  be 
deluded  by  the  vain  hope  of  a  more  convenient  sea- 
son. Impress  with  a  living  freshness  upon  their 
hearts,  that  now  is  the  accepted  time,  and  this  the 
day  of  salvation.  Let  none  of  them  draw  back  to 
perdition.  Enable  them  at  once  and  for  ever  to  re- 
nounce their  transgressions,  and  to  receive  and  rest 
upon  Jesus  alone  for  salvation.  Let  the  Holy  Ghost 
lead  them  into  the  knowledge  of  truth — preserve 
them  from  the  power  of  error — give  them  peace  in 
believing — and  fill  them  with  a  holy  zeal  to  ad- 
vance thy  cause  and  fulfil  thy  will,  in  all  the  duties 
of  religion. 

INTEMPERANCE. 

Lord,  be  pleased  to  banish  from  our  land,  and 
from  the  world,  the  causes  and  evils  of  intemper- 
ance. Reclaim  those  that  are  now  wandering  in  the 
paths  of  drunkenness ;  recover  them  whose  feet  are 
running  in  the  way  of  temptation  ;  and  throw  thy 
merciful  restraint  and  protection  over  those  who  are 
yet  untainted  by  this  destroying  vice.  O  do  thou 
enlighten  mankind  as  to  its  nature  and  remedy ; 
and  bring  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the 
mighty,  the  good  of  every  name  and  nation. 

May  all  men  learn  that  alcohol,  the  intoxicating 


118 


ingredient  of  spirituous  liquors,  is  not  the  gift  of 
God,  but  the  product  of  man's  selfishness  ;  that  as  a 
drink  it  is  not  needful  nor  useful,  but  hurtful  and 
poisonous.  Teach  them  that  it  diseases  the  body, 
weakens  and  paralyzes  the  understanding,  stupe- 
fies the  conscience,  and  hardens  the  heart.  O, 
how  has  it  destroyed  property,  time,  happiness,  and 
life — and  filled  the  world  with  poverty,  misery,  and 
crime — and  dragged  down  to  everlasting  perdition 
souls  that  otherwise  might  have  been  brought  within 
the  reach  of  the  gospel,  and  have  been  made  heirs 
of  eternal  life  ! 

Lord,  T  thank  thee  for  the  efforts  which  have  been 
made  to  stay  these  desolations,  and  for  the  success 
which  has  thus  far  crowned  the  temperance  refor- 
mation. But  I  would  feel  that  there  remaineth  yet 
very  much  land  to  be  possessed.  Alas,  there  is  still 
a  fearful  residue  of  this  evil  to  be  removed.  O  may 
the  zeal  of  the  efforts  already  put  forth  in  this  benevo- 
lent scheme,  be  continued  and  greatly  increased. 
Establish  the  principle  that  total  abstinence  from 
every  thing  that  can  intoxicate,  is  that  alone  which, 
with  the  blessing  of  God,  will  redeem  and  preserve 
our  race  from  the  fearful  evils  of  intemperance.  O 
do  thou  remove  the  causes  of  this  vice ;  and  let  there 
be  none  to  make,  nor  sell,  nor  buy  the  hurtful 
poison.  Dispose  our  law-givers  to  take  away  the 
protection  and  sanction  of  law  from  this  traffic  in  the 
bodies  and  souls  of  men  ;  and  to  enact  such  statutes 
as  will  dry  up  these  fountains  of  poverty  and  wretch- 
edness, crime  and  death.  Do  thou  inform  and  purify 
public  sentiment  every  where,  in  relation  to  the 
jjreat  and  vital  interests  of  temperance.  Then,  O 
Lord,  our  hearts  will  rejoice  that  the  merciless  de- 
stroyer has  been  banished,  to  give  place  to  health, 


119 

industry,  individual  and  public  welfare,  and  the  tri- 
umphs of  the  gospel. 

INTERCESSION. 

Heavenly  Father,  I  thank  thee  that  we  have  an 
advocate  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high, 
even  Jesus  Christ,  the  righteous.  He  hath  not  en- 
tered into  the  holy  place  made  with  hands ;  but  into 
heaven  itself,  to  appear  in  the  presence  of  God  for 
us  ;  where  he  ever  livelh  to  make  intercession  for  his 
chosen  generation.  Blessed  Jesus,  I  rejoice  that  thou 
wilt  not  break  the  bruised  reed,  nor  quench  the 
smoking  flax  ;  that  though  Satan  hath  desired  to  have 
thy  people,  that  he  might  sift  them  as  wheat,  yet 
thou  prayest  for  them  that  their  faith  fail  not :  and 
that  thou  art  their  Mediator,  to  present  their  believ- 
ing prayers,  and  secure  their  acceptance,  at  the 
throne  of  the  heavenly  mercy. 

Lord,  lead  me,  in  the  faith  of  that  intercession, 
to  the  sceptre  of  thy  grace,  persuaded  that  thou  art 
able  by  thy  power,  and  willing  in  thy  mercy,  to  sup- 
ply me  with  all  that  I  need.  Assist  me  to  draw 
nigh  with  a  true  heart,  in  the  full  assurance  of  faith  : 
for  we  have  not  an  hicrh-priest  who  cannot  be 
touched  with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmities;  but  one 
who  was  in  all  points  tempted  as  we  are,  yet  without 
sin  ;  and  who  is  able  to  save  unto  the  uttermost  all 
wbo  come  unto  thee  by  him.  O  Jesus,  Blessed  Me- 
diator, take  my  cause  into  thine  own  hands.  Plead 
my  interests  for  me,  and  enable  me  to  rejoice  in  thy 
success,  and  to  bless  thy  holy  name  for  ever. 

Lord,  grant  me,  for  Christ's  sake,  a  strong  and  an 
abiding  spirit  of  intercessory  prayer.  Dispose  me 
to  make  supplication  for  all  men.  Make  it  my  privi- 
lege to  commend  to  thee  all  that  are  near  and  dear 


120 

to  me ;  that  thou  wouldst  guide  them  by  thy  counsel, 
protect  them  by  thy  power,  and  save  them  by  thy 
grace.  Lead  me  to  pray  for  my  enemies,  for  the 
needy,  the  afflicted,  the  sick,  and  the  dying.  Incline 
me  to  Hft  up  earnest  supplication  on  behalf  of  thy 
church.  Especially,  O  Lord,  may  the  yearnings  of 
my  heart  go  forth  for  the  impenitent.  Make  me 
feel  that  the  triumphs  of  thy  church  will  depend  on 
the  importunity  of  thy  people  for  mercy  on  the  un- 
godly. O  may  I  understand  their  awful  condition, 
and  be  induced  to  plead  with  thee,  in  the  name  of 
Christ,  and  through  the  intercessions  of  thy  Spirit, 
that  they  may  be  saved.  Give  me  that  degree  of 
confidence  in  thee,  and  regard  for  thy  glory,  and  such 
earnest  longings  after  their  conversion,  as  thou  wilt 
own  and  bless  by  the  redemption  of  souls. 

JEWS. 

Merciful  God,  seek  and  save  the  lost  sheep  of 
the  house  of  Israel.  Look  in  mercy  on  thine  ancient 
covenant  people,  who  are  scattered  and  peeled,  and 
who  have  become  a  by-word  and  a  term  of  reproach 
amono;  the  nations  of  the  earth.  How  loner,  O 
Lord,  shall  thy  goodness  delay  towards  those  to 
whom  were  once  committed  the  lively  oracles  of 
truth  ;  and  of  whom,  as  concerning  the  flesh,  Christ 
came?  Do  thou  use  such  instrumentalities  as  shall 
bring  them  to  feel  their  blindness  of  mind  and  hjjrd- 
ness  of  heart,  in  rejecting  Jesus;  and  may  they  look 
to  him  from  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  be  saved. 
Lord,  seal  the  evidences  of  the  truth  of  the  gospel, 
and  glorify  thy  Son,  by  bringing  them  into  the  bless- 
ings of  the  new  covenant.  For  if  the  fall  of  them 
was  the  riches  of  the  world,  and  the  diminishing  of 
them  the  riches  of  the  Gentiles,  how  much  more 


121 


their  fulness.  Thou  hast  not  indeed  cast  away  thy 
people,  whom  thou  didst  foreknow*  They  shall  turn 
to  thee  when  the  vail  shall  be  taken  away.  O 
Lord,  hasten  that  time,  when,  through  the  mercy  be- 
stowed on  us,  they  also  shall  obtain  mercy ;  and 
when,  with  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles,  all  Israel  shall 
be  saved. 

JESUS  CHRIST. 

Blessed  Father,  teach  me  thy  truth  as  it  is  in  Je- 
sus. Grant  that  I  may  love  it,  and  feed  upon  it ;  and 
that  I  may  teach  it  by  my  lips,  and  manifest  it  by 
my  conduct  to  others.  Alas,  our  race,  which  thou 
didst  make  but  a  little  lower  than  the  angels,  fell 
from  the  noble  and  happy  condition  in  which  it  was 
created,  by  sinning  against  thee :  and  when  thou 
didst  look  from  heaven  upon  the  children  of  men,  to 
see  if  there  were  any  that  did  understand,  or  seek 
after  God  ;  behold !  they  were  altogether  become 
filthy  :  there  was  none  that  did  good;  no,  not  one. 
Yet  thou  didst  not  cast  them  off;  but  in  the  counsels 
of  thy  mercy,  didst  enter  into  a  covenant  of  grace, 
to  bring  them  out  of  their  estate  of  sin  and  misery, 
and  to  bring  them  into  an  estate  of  salvation  by  a 
Redeemer;  even  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  being 
the  eternal  Son  of  God  became  man,  that  he  might 
redeem  us  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  in  being  made 
a  curse  for  us;  and  that  we  might  have  salvation 
through  his  blood. — -O  Lord,  we  exercised  no  peni- 
tence of  heart  that  could  have  prompted  thee  to  this 
display  of  compassion  ;  and  there  was  nothing  in  our 
character  which  could  give  thee  any  delight.  It  was 
sovereign,  unsearchable,  unmerited  grace  that  form- 
ed and  perfected  the  plan  of  redemption.  Thou  did*it 
11 


122 

indeed  commend  thy  love  to  us,  in  that  while  we 
were  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us. 

(Deity.) — Great  God,  enable  me  to  make  Christ, 
and  him  crucified,  the  primary  object  of  study  and 
faith.  Give  me  heart-felt  and  precious  views  of  his 
character  and  offices.  May  I  regard  him  as  that 
Word,  which  was  in  the  beginning  with  God,  and 
was  GOD ;  and  which  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt 
on  earth,  full  of  grace  and  truth.  O  suffer  me  never 
to  doubt  that  in  him  dwells  all  the  fulness  of  the 
Godhead  bodily.  To  him  belongs  eternity ;  for  he 
•was  before  all  things.  He  is  the  creator  ;  for  with- 
out him  was  not  any  thing  made  that  was  made. 
To  him  pertains  dominion  :  he  upholds  all  things  by 
the  word  of  his  power.  He  is  every  where  present ; 
since  where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  his 
name,  he  is  in  the  midst  of  them.  His  understand- 
ing is  infinite;  for  he  knows  the  hearts  of  all  men. — 
Blessed  Jesus,  if  thy  followers  on  earth  worshipped 
thee,  as  the  searcher  of  hearts  and  the  Saviour  of 
souls — if  all  the  angels  of  heaven  cry  unto  thee, 
"  Blessing  and  honour,  glory  and  power" — well  may 
thy  creatures  on  earth  acknowledge  and  proclaim 
thee  as  the  living  and  true  God. 

{Prophet.) — Lord,  assist  me  to  receive  Christ  as 
my  Teacher.  May  he  reveal  to  me  by  his  word  and 
Spirit,  the  will  of  God  for  my  salvation.  May  1 
learn  of  him,  who  spake  as  never  man  spake,  and 
who  taught  as  one  having  authority.  Let  me  re- 
member that  if  I  hearken  not  to  his  words,  thou  wilt 
require  it  of  me:  for  if  they  escaped  not,  who  refused 
him  that  spake  on  earth,  much  more  shall  not  I 
escape,  if  I  turn  from  him  that  speaketh  from  heaven. 
O  put  his  law  into  my  mind,  and  write  it  in  my 
heart.     Let  its  entrance  give  light  and  love,  zeal 


123 

and  purity  to  my  soul.     Lord,  let  it  not  be  a  savour 
of  death  unto  death,  but  of  life  unto  life. 

(Priest.) — Help  me,  I  pray  thee,  to  receive  Jesus 
as  the  High  Priest  of  my  profession.  May  I  look  on 
him  as  offering  up  himself  a  sacrifice,  to  satisfy  di- 
vine justice,  and  reconcile  us  to  God  ;  and  as  ever 
living  to  make  intercession  for  his  chosen  people. 
He  who  was  the  brightness  of  the  Father's  glory, 
and  who  thought  it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with 
God,  took  upon  himself  the  form  of  a  servant,  that 
he  might  put  away  sin,  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself,  in 
his  own  body,  on  the  tree.  Yea,  it  pleased  thee  to 
bruise  him,  to  put  him  to  grief,  to  make  his  soul  an 
offering  for  sin,  that  he  might  justify  many,  and 
that  the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  might  prosper  in  his 
hand.  In  due  time,  when  we  were  without  strength, 
Christ  died  for  the  ungodly  ;  taking  away  the  hand- 
writing of  ordinances  that  was  against  us;  suffering 
the  just  for  the  unjust ;  that  he  might  bring  us  to 
God. — Lord,  I  would  praise  thee  that  by  him  we 
have  received  the  atonement.  Thou  hast  set  him 
forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood, 
for  the  remission  of  sins.  He  hath  given  his  life  a 
ransom  for  many.  He  who  knew  no  sin,  was  made 
sin  for  us,  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness 
of  God  in  him. 

O  Lord,  convince  me  that  forgiveness  is  granted 
only  for  his  sake :  there  being  no  other  name  given 
among  men  whereby  they  can  be  saved.  Teach  me 
that  his  costly  sacrifice  was  not  needed  to  make  thee 
willing  to  be  reconciled  to  us ;  for  it  was  the  fruit  of 
thy  love :  but  because  thou  wouldst  maintain  thy 
justice,  and  still  be  the  justifier  of  him  that  believeth 
in  Jesus,  and  his  deliverer  from  the  wrath  to  come. 
Heavenly  Father,  show  me  by  this  office  of  Christ's 


124 

mission,  the  lost  condition  of  human  nature,  and  the 
wonders  of  thy  justice  and  love.  May  it  be  the  most 
cherished  object  of  my  contemplation,  and  fill  my 
spirit  with  adoration  and  thanksgiving,  love  and  obe- 
dience. May  I  thus  judge,  that  if  Christ  has  died 
for  me,  I  should  henceforth  live,  not  unto  myself, 
but  unto  him  ;  and  that  both  living  and  dying  I 
should  be  the  Lord's. — [^See  Intercession.] 

{King.) — Great  God,  I  pray  thee,  make  me  wil- 
ling to  receive  Christ  not  only  as  my  Saviour,  but  as 
my  Sovereign,  to  subdue  me  to  himself,  to  rule  and 
defend  me,  and  to  restrain  and  conquer  all  his  and 
my  enemies.  O  may  I  regard  his  service  greater 
riches  than  the  treasures  of  Egypt.  Thou  hast  set 
him  at  thy  right  hand,  that  at  his  name  every  knee 
should  bow,  and  every  tongue  confess ;  and  hast 
given  unto  him  the  keys  of  death  and  hell,  with  all 
power  in  heaven  and  earth.  His  throne  is  for  ever 
and  ever.  Thou  wilt  break  them  with  a  rod  of  iron 
who  will  not  have  thy  Son  to  reign  over  them  ;  and 
wilt  dash  them  in  pieces  as  a  potter's  vessel.  Thou 
wilt  make  him  Governor  among  the  nations,  and 
give  him  the  heathen  for  his  inheritance,  and  the  ut- 
termost parts  of  the  earth  for  a  possession.  O  hasten 
that  day. — Lord,  lead  my  thoughts  often  to  that 
consummation  of  Christ's  sovereignty,  when  he  shall 
come  in  his  glory,  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead, 
O  may  he  then  be  my  Saviour  King,  and  I  be  a  re- 
deemed vassal  of  his  everlasting  kingdom. 

(Exami)le.) — Jehovah  God,  incline  me  to  make 
Jesus  my  example  in  all  the  duties  of  life.  May  the 
same  mind  that  was  in  him  be  also  in  me.  Lead 
me  to  walk  even  as  he  walked;  for  he  that  followeth 
not  after  him  is  not  worthy  of  him.  May  1  look 
unto  him  as  my  pattern  of  patience  and  humility, 


125 

prayer  and  faith,  long-suffering  and  benevolence. 
May  I  strive  to  purify  myself  even  as  Christ  is  pure ; 
and  beholding,  as  in  a  glass,  his  glory,  be  changed 
into  the  same  image,  from  glory  to  glory,  by  as  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord. 

{Union.) — Lord,  unite  me  to  Christ  by  a  living 
faith,  even  as  the  branch  is  united  to  the  vine. 
Make  me  a  new  creature  in  him.  May  I  receive 
of  his  fulness,  and  grace  for  grace.  May  he  be  to 
me  that  bread  from  heaven  that  giveth  eternal  life ; 
and  be  formed  in  my  heart  the  hope  of  glory.  Make 
me  a  member  of  that  body,  of  which  Christ  is  the 
head.  Build  me  upon  the  foundation  of  the  Apostles 
and  Prophets,  Jesus  Christ  being  the  chief  corner- 
stone, in  whom  the  whole  building  fitly  framed  to- 
gether, groweth  unto  a  holy  temple  of  the  Lord.  O 
may  my  life  be  hid  with  Christ  in  God  ;  that  he  may- 
be made  unto  me  wisdom  and  righteousness,  sancti- 
fication  and  redemption. 

Lord,  suffer  me  not  to  be  ashamed  of  the  gospel 
of  Jesus.  Teach  me  to  regard  it  as  my  highest 
honour,  to  have  communion  with  the  spirit  and  fel- 
lowship in  the  service  of  my  blessed  Saviour.  Make 
him  my  all  and  in  all :  my  song  in  the  season  of  re- 
joicing, and  my  hope  in  the  hour  of  trial.  God  for- 
bid that  I  should  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  Christ. 

God  of  Mercy,  do  thou  present  the  character  and 
offices  of  Jesus  to  the  minds  of  the  unconverted,  so 
that  they  may  be  convinced  that  they  are  transgres- 
sors, and  be  persuaded  to  trust  in  him  for  salvation. 
O  may  thy  Spirit  apply  to  them  the  redemption  pur- 
chased in  him,  by  convincing  them  of  their  sin  and 
misery,  enlightening  their  minds  in  the  knowledge  of 
Christ,  renewing  their  wills,  and  persuading  and 
11* 


120 

enabling  them  to  embrace  Jesus,  freely  offered  to 
them  in  the  gospel. 

JOY. 

Lord  of  Blessedness,  grant  me  that  joy  of  faith, 
that  rejoicing  of  hope,  which  is  a  fruit  of  ihy  Spirit. 
Give  me  a  full  and  rich  experience  of  the  sources  of 
this  bliss — which  indeed  are  not  broken  cisterns  that 
can  hold  no  water,  but  fountains  full  to  overflowing, 
with  the  healing  streams  of  life. — Lord,  reveal  thy- 
self unto  me,  as  thou  dost  not  unto  the  world,  and  fill 
my  heart  with  pleasure  in  learning  thy  character, 
and  communing  with  thy  love. — Enable  me  to  re- 
joice in  Christ,  and  in  the  forgiveness  of  sins  through 
him,  with  a  joy  that  is  unspeakable  and  full  of 
glory. — Give  me  that  blessed  spirit  of  adoption,  by 
which  I  may  cry  "Abba,  Father." — May  the  Holy 
Ghost  give  life  to  my  hope  and  strength  to  my  re- 
joicing.— Cause  me  to  rejoice  in  thy  word,  as  one 
that  findeth  great  spoil. — May  I  love  the  habitation 
of  thy  house,  and  find  more  comfort  in  thy  taberna- 
cles than  in  the  tents  of  wickedness. — Let  all  the 
means  of  grace  be  to  my  spirit  as  rain  upon  the  new- 
mown  grass,  and  as  showers  that  water  the  earth. — 
Make  it  my  privilege  to  verify  thy  word,  that  it  is 
more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive ;  for  the  Lord 
loveth  a  cheerful  giver,  and  he  that  soweth  bounti- 
fully shall  also  reap  bountifully. — Grant  me  the 
peace  of  a  conscience  that  is  void  of  offence  towards 
God  and  man. — Make  the  communion  of  saints  an 
abundant  source  of  refreshment  and  strength  to  my 
christian  graces. — May  the  triumphs  of  thy  gospel 
give  me  more  pleasure  than  the  wicked  have  vvhen 
their  carnal  luxuries  do  most  abound. — O  Lord, 
comfort  and  bless  my  soul  by  the  contemplation  of 


127 

that  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory  that  re- 
mains for  the  people  of  God  in  heaven. 

Lord,  grant  that  my  spiritual  enjoyments  may 
excite  me  to  gratitude,  and  lead  me  to  open  my  lips, 
that  my  mouth  may  show  forth  thy  praise.  May 
others  be  led  by  my  cheerful  happiness,  to  taste  and 
see  that  the  Lord  is  good.  When  thou  enlargest 
my  heart,  teach  me  to  run  in  the  way  of  thy  com- 
mandments. Enable  me  to  say  in  the  hour  of  trial 
and  suffering — "  None  of  these  things  move  me ; 
neither  count  I  my  life  dear,  so  that  I  may  finish  my 
course  with  joy."  And,  O  when  heart  and  flesh 
shall  faint  and  tail,  in  the  struggle  of  death,  may  thy 
rod  and  staff  comfort  me :  and  be  thou  the  strength 
of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  for  ever. 

JUDGMENT. 

Great  God,  thou  hast  appointed  unto  men  once  to 
die,  and  after  this  the  judgment,  when  every  one  of 
us  shall  give  account  of  himself  to  God ;  and  when 
thou  wilt  display  to  an  assembled  universe,  the 
righteousness  of  thy  justice,  and  the  glory  of  thy  ho- 
liness. Of  that  day  and  that  hour  knoweth  no  man  ; 
but  it  shall  be  the  end  of  the  world,  when  all  the 
works  therein  shall  be  burnt  up,  the  heavens  pass 
away  with  a  great  noise,  and  the  elements  melt  with 
fervent  heat.  Lord,  make  me  mindful  of  that  awful 
day,  and  of  the  solemn  truths  thou  hast  revealed 
concerning  it.  Then  the  Lord  Jesus  will  come  with 
his  holy  angels,  and  sit  on  his  great  white  throne, 
and  open  the  books  of  remembrance — the  testimonies 
of  creation,  of  providence,  of  scripture,  and  of  con- 
science. The  quick  and  dead  shall  stand  before 
him,  to  be  judged  out  of  those  things  that  are  writ- 
ten in  the  books,  according  to  their  works,  with  eve- 


128 

ry  secret  thing,  whether  it  be  good  or  evil ;  and  also 
for  every  thing  which  thou  didst  command  to  be 
done,  but  which  they  left  undone.  Lord,  make  me 
realize  that  men  will  then  be  judged  also  for  the 
privileges  they  have  enjoyed  ;  for  of  them  unto  whom 
much  hath  been  given,  much  will  be  required.  O, 
even  the  best  of  thy  saints  will  then  need  the  atone- 
ment of  Christ :  they  could  not  stand  before  thee,  if 
thou  shouldst  mark  their  iniquities.  But,  blessed  be 
thy  name,  there  will  be  no  condemnation  to  them 
that  are  in  Christ  Jesus  :  they  shall  receive  the  pro- 
mise of  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth,  wherein 
dwelleth  righteousness.  But  then  the  judge  will  say 
to  them  on  his  left  hand — "Depart  from  me,  ye 
cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil 
and  his  angels  :"  and  the  wicked  shall  be  turned  into 
hell,  with  all  the  nations  that  forget  God.  O  God  of 
infinite  compassion,  grant  that  in  that  fearful  day  of 
trial,  my  name  may  be  found  written  in  the  Lamb's 
book  of  life,  and  that  my  unworthy,  hell-deserving 
spirit  may  be  received,  through  the  merits  of  Christ, 
into  the  habitations  of  eternal  life. 

JUSTICE   OF  GOD. 

O  Most  High,  a  sceptre  of  righteousness  is  the 
sceptre  of  thy  kingdom.  Justice  and  judgment  are 
the  habitation  of  thy  throne :  just  and  true  are  all 
thy  ways,  thou  King  of  Saints.  Of  a  truth  thou  art 
no  respecter  of  persons :  thy  law  is  holy,  and  thy 
government  upright.  The  righteousness  of  the  righte- 
ous shall  be  upon  him,  and  the  wickedness  of  the 
wicked  shall  be  upon  him. — I  would  adore  and  praise 
thee,  O  Lord,  that  thou  didst  maintain  and  magnify 
the  excellency  of  thy  justice  in  giving  thy  Son,  to 
repair  by  his  own  blood,  the  violated  law,  and  thus 


129 

make  it  more  honourable  by  the  redemption  of 
the  transgressor,  than  by  his  hopeless  condemna- 
tion. 

O  Lord,  show  me,  in  the  light  of  this  attribute,  the 
glory  of  the  dispensation  of  the  gospel,  in  which 
thou  canst  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  even  the  worst 
of  sinners,  who  believe  in  Jesus.  But,  may  I  learn 
from  it  also,  that  thou  wilt  be  to  the  finally  impeni- 
tent, a  consuming  fire.  May  the  knowledge  of  it 
prevent  me  from  neglecting  or  violating  the  rights  of 
my  fellow-creatures,  and  lead  me  to  render  that 
which  is  just  and  equal,  to  all  men.  Let  the  threat- 
ened retributions  of  thy  judgment  warn  me  against 
transgression,  and  dispose  me  to  seek  conformity  to 
thy  will. 

Lord,  cause  a  sense  of  thy  justice  to  alarm  the 
fears  of  the  ungodly.  Make  them  know  that  they 
are  treasuring  up  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath, 
and  righteous  revelation  of  the  judgment  of  God. 
Lead  them  now  to  bow  to  thy  sceptre,  which  is  still 
the  symbol  of  mercy  ;  but  which  ere  long  may  be- 
come the  instrument  of  destruction.  I  pray  thee, 
redeem  them  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  and  give 
them  the  adoption  of  sons,  through  the  righteousness 
of  Christ. 

JUSTIFICATION. 

Heavenly  Father,  justify  me  freely  by  thy  grace, 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jesus.  Pardon 
my  sins,  acquit  me  from  the  punishment  I  deserve 
for  them,  and  give  me  a  title  to  those  blessings  which 
would  have  been  due  by  thy  law,  if  I  had  fulfilled 
it  in  sinless  obedience.  Teach  me  that  by  the 
deeds  of  the  law  shall  no  flesh  living  be  justified  ; 
but  only  by  the  faith  of  Jesus  ;  in  whom  thou  art 


130 

reconciling  the  world  unto  thyself,  not  imputing  unto 
them  their  trespasses  and  sins.  O  give  me  that  faith 
in  him  which  will  be  imputed  to  me  for  righteous- 
ness. May  I  ever  be  found  in  him  ;  not  having  on 
my  own  righteousness,  which  is  of  the  law;  but  that 
which  is  by  the  faith  of  him,  unto  all  and  upon  all  that 
believe.  Show  me  that  this  act  of  thy  mercy  is  the 
gift  of  free  grace — that  by  it  thou  hast  condemned 
sin  in  the  flesh,  whilst  thou  hast  magnified  thy  law 
and  made  it  honourable — Christ  being  made  the  end 
of  the  law  to  every  one  that  believeth. 

Lord,  grant  that  I  may  have  peace  with  thee,  being 
justified  by  faith  ;  and  that  I  may  have  access  to  thy 
throne,  with  confidence  of  acceptance  in  the  Beloved. 
Enable  me  to  know  him  in  whom  1  have  believed,  as 
my  atoning  sacrifice ;  and  to  be  persuaded  that  he  is 
able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  committed  to  him 
against  the  great  day.  And  grant,  O  Lord,  that  thy 
work  of  justification  in  this  life,  may  result  in  that 
open  acknowledgment  and  acquittal  in  the  day  of 
judgment,  which  shall  be  followed  by  everlasting 
glory. 

Kingdom. — See  Gospel, 

KNOWLEDGE. 

Great  God,  I  thank  thee  for  those  powers  of  mind 
thou  hast  bestowed  on  the  human  race,  which  raise 
us  so  far  above  the  brutes  that  perish,  and  which  fit 
us  to  acquire  and  use  rational  knowledge.  Lord, 
make  me  understand  and  practice  the  duties  which 
belong  to  the  possession  of  these  powers.  I  pray 
thee,  cultivate  suitably  in  me,  each  of  the  faculties  of 
my  mind.  Enlighten  my  judgment,  strengthen  my 
memory,  and  inform  my  understanding.     Keep  me 


131 

from  error,  and  guide  me  into  truth.  Especially  do 
thou  grant  me,  O  Lord,  that  wisdom  which  leads  to 
salvation.  Instruct  me  in  all  the  duties  I  owe  to 
men,  to  myself,  and  to  thee.  While  I  am  careful  to 
educate  my  faculties,  make  me  mindful  of  the  weak- 
ness and  failings  of  human  judgment.  Let  me  not 
lean  on  my  own  understanding,  but  trust  in  the 
living  God.  O  do  thou  so  discipline  my  thoughts, 
that  I  may  be  fitted  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  know- 
ledge in  that  holy  region,  where  there  is  no  cloud 
of  ignorance  nor  of  error,  and  where  the  light  of  truth 
fills  and  surrounds  all  its  blessed  inhabitants. 

Knowledge  of  God. — See  Omniscience* 

LAAv  of  god. 

I  thank  thee.  Great  God,  for  that  law  of  nature, 
impressed  on  my  conscience,  by  which  I  am  left 
without  excuse  in  the  transgression  of  thy  will.  But 
I  would  praise  thee  still  more,  that  thou  hast  given 
me  the  law  of  thy  word,  to  warn,  to  restrain,  to  con- 
vince me  of  sin,  and  to  lead  me  in  the  ways  that  are 
well-pleasing  in  thy  sight.  Thy  commandment,  O 
Lord,  is  holy,  just,  and  good.  Thou  art  holy ;  and 
thy  law  is  perfect,  converting  the  soul — thou  art 
just ;  wherefore  thy  judgments  are  true  and  righteous 
altogether — thou  art  good ;  and  thy  statutes  rejoice 
the  heart ;  for  in  keeping  them  there  is  great  reward. 
Till  heaven  and  earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall 
in  nowise  pass  from  the  law  until  all  be  fulfilled. 

Incline  me,  O  Lord,  to  take  heed  to  my  ways, 
according  to  thy  word.  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that 
I  may  behold  wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law. 
Make  thou  thy  testimonies  my  delight  and  counsel- 
lors ;  my  songs  in  the  house  of  my  pilgrimage,  and 


132 

the  daily  monitors  of  my  conduct.  May  I  make  thy 
will  my  meditation  by  day,  and  my  remembrance  in 
the  night.  Make  it  a  lamp  to  my  feet,  and  a  light 
to  my  path ;  and  do  thou  incline  my  heart  to  per- 
form thy  statutes  always,  even  to  the  end.  Impress 
deeply  on  my  mind  that  solemn  truth — whosoever 
shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet  offend  in  one 
point,  is  guilty  of  all. 

Lord,  teach  me  that  thy  commandment  is  exceed- 
ing broad  and  deep :  that  it  has  relation  not  only  to 
the  actions  of  life,  but  to  the  hidden  workings  of 
thought  and  feeling.  For  though  the  sound  of  my 
lips,  and  the  work  of  my  hands,  may  be  right  be- 
fore men  ;  yet  thy  statutes  may  condemn  the 
thoughts  of  my  heart ;  and  I  may  stand  more  guilty 
in  thy  sight  for  secret  sin,  than  for  open  violations  of 
thy  will. 

Heavenly  Father,  let  not  my  regard  for  thy  com- 
mandment create  within  me  a  spirit  of  self-righteous- 
ness: for  in  the  trial  of  thy  justice,  every  mouth 
shall  be  stopped,  and  all  the  world  become  guilty 
before  God.  Make  it  a  schoolmaster  to  bring  me  to 
Christ,  as  my  only  hope  of  justification.  May  I  re- 
member, that  while  it  is  the  rule  of  my  obedience,  it 
is  not  the  plan  of  salvation.  He  who  came  to  fulfil 
it,  is  himself  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to 
every  one  that  believeth. 

O  Lord,  make  thy  law  the  sword  of  the  Spirit  in 
thy  dealings  with  the  impenitent.  May  it  awaken 
and  alarm  their  consciences,  enlighten  and  convince 
their  minds,  and  persuade  and  sanctify  their  wills; 
so  that  they  may  be  born,  not  of  corruptible  seed, 
but  of  incorruptible;  by  the  word  of  God,  which 
liveth  and  abidclh  for  ever. 


133 


LEVITY. 

Lord,  keep  me  from  levity  of  spirit  and  behaviour* 
Thou  knovvest  my  proneness  to  this  sin,  and  how 
ready  I  am  to  yield  to  that  frivolity  which  charac- 
terizes the  careless  and  unconverted,  and  which  is 
so  inconsistent  with  the  sober  realities  of  the  christ- 
ian life.  Help  me,  I  beseech  thee,  through  the  Sa- 
viour, to  repent  of  it,  and  so  to  turn  away  from  it  in 
future,  as  to  avoid  the  appearance  of  evil. 

Lord,  let  not  my  thoughts  cherish  those  subjects 
which  excite  levity  of  speech  or  action.  Assist  me 
to  keep  my  heart  with  all  diligence,  that  my  every 
thought,  and  word,  and  deed  may  be  the  sober  fruit 
of  a  holiness,  engraven  on  my  soul  and  wrought  in 
my  life,  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  I  pray 
thee  especially,  to  lay  a  restraint  on  my  tongue, 
that  unruly  member ;  and  dispose  me  to  avoid  stu- 
diously saying  any  thing  which  may  dissipate  se- 
rious impressions,  or  make  me  a  stumbling  block  in 
the  path  of  others,  or  cause  the  ways  of  religion  to 
be  despised  or  reviled.  Enable  me  to  attain  and  cul- 
tivate that  happy  medium  between  moroseness  and 
frivolity,  that  calm  seriousness  of  mind  and  holy 
cheerfulness  of  life,  which  will  diffuse  a  savour  of 
piety  in  all  I  say  and  do. 

O  let  the  solemn  truth,  that  thou  God  seest  me, 
pursue  me  not  only  in  my  seasons  of  devotion,  but 
in  all  the  hours  of  my  intercourse  with  mankind. — 
Make  me  realize  that  the  eyes  of  the  church  and  the 
world  are  upon  me,  and  that  according  as  I  demean 
myself,  so  will  the  cause  of  religion  be  advanced  or 
hindered. — Seriously  impress  on  my  mind,  that  a 
disposition  to  trifle  is  a  fruitful  cause  of  disquietude 
in  the  soul  and  of  delinquency  in  the  life. — Show  me 
12 


134 

that  the  rational  faculties,  with  which  thou  hast  en- 
dowed me,  were  given  for  higher  and  hoh'er  pur- 
poses, than  for  indulgence  in  a  light  and  frivolous 
demeanour. — Let  a  sense  of  thy  presence  control 
me  to  live  as  becometh  one  professing  godliness. — 
O  incline  me,  I  pray  thee,  to  order  all  my  walk  and 
conversation,  so  that  I  may  be  a  living  illustration  of 
the  sober  influences  of  piety. 

LIBERTY. 

Lord,  increase  my  gratitude  to  thee  for  the  bless- 
ings of  liberty.  While  millions  of  the  human  race 
are  groaning  under  the  yoke  of  oppression,  thou 
hast,,  in  undeserved  mercy,  given  to  me  the  privi- 
leges of  civil  and  religious  freedom.  O  let  me  not 
abuse  them,  nor  deny  them  to  others  who  are  desti- 
tute of  them.  Give  me  strong  sympathy  for  the 
down-trodden  of  every  name  and  nation.  Dispose 
me  to  desire,  and  pray,  and  labour  for  the  extension 
of  freedom  to  all  mankind.  Enlighten  the  con- 
sciences and  cleanse  the  hearts  of  all  men  in  re- 
lation to  the  great  doctrines  of  human  rights.  Do 
thou  fan,  and  purify,  and  spread  the  fire  of  truth, 
until  it  shall  melt  off  every  fetter  from  every  limb — 
until  deliverance  shall  be  preached  to  all  the  cap- 
tives, and  liberty  be  proclaimed  to  all  the  oppressed. 

O  Lord,  release  men  every  where,  from  the  bon- 
dage of  sin.  Break  the  yoke  of  Satan,  of  the  world, 
and  of  selfishness.  May  thy  ISon  make  mankind 
free,  and  they  shall  be  free  indeed :  so  shall  they  be 
servants  to  God  only,  that  their  fruit  may  be  holi- 
ness, and  the  end  everlasting  life. 

LIFE. 

Lord,  grant,  for  Christ's  sake,  that  I  may  feel  the 


135 

uncertainty  and  shortness  of  human  life.  We  are 
but  of  yesterday,  and  our  days  upon  earth  are  a 
shadow.  Our  breath  is  in  our  nostrils  :  it  is  even  a 
vapour,  that  appeareth  for  a  Httle  time,  and  then 
vanisheth  away.  Teach  me  that  my  span  of  life  is 
given  me  as  my  probation  for  eternity.  Grant 
therefore,  that  I  may  walk  circumspectly  ;  redeem- 
ing the  time,  because  the  days  are  evil.  While  I 
grow  in  age,  enable  me  to  grow  in  grace.  While  I 
travel  through  this  wilderness,  guide  me  by  the  fiery- 
cloudy  pillar,  feed  my  hunger  with  manna  from 
heaven,  and  quench  my  thirst  with  water  from  the 
smitten  rock.  Lord,  let  me  not  be  anxious  for  length 
of  days  ;  nor  grow  weary  of  my  season  of  trial. 
Make  me  contented  that  my  limes  are  in  thy  hands. 
Give  me,  I  beseech  thee,  in  all  the  vicissitudes  of  life, 
such  preparation  of  heart,  that  whether  I  live,  I  may 
live  to  the  Lord ;  and  whether  1  die,  I  may  die  to  the 
Lord  :  so  that  whether  living  or  dying,  I  may  be  the 
Lord's. 

Heavenly  Father,  may  the  considerations  that  life 
is  short,  and  that  it  involves  the  destinies  of  eternity, 
excite  those  who  are  now  thoughtless  about  their 
eternal  peace,  to  number  their  days,  that  they  may 
apply  their  hearts  unto  wisdom :  even  that  wisdom 
which  will  lead  them  to  live,  not  unto  themselves, 
but  unto  him  who  died  for  them  ;  and  which  will  also 
prepare  them  to  depart,  and  be  with  Christ,  which  is 
far  better. 

Long-suffering. — See  Forbearance, 

lord's  supper. 
Compassionate  Jehovah,  give  me  lively  percep- 
tions of  the  nature  and  uses  of  that  holy  Supper, 


136 

which  thou  hast  instituted  in  memory  of  the  dying 
Saviour.  May  it  always  be  to  the  eye  of  my  faith, 
a  token  and  pledge  of  a  covenant  of  mercy  in  the 
blood  of  Christ.  Let  it  ever  be  my  Eucharist — my 
giving  of  thanks  to  thee,  from  a  heart  overflowing 
with  gratitude,  that  thou  didst  recover  man  from  his 
condition  of  sin  and  misery,  by  the  gift  of  a  Redeem- 
er. Make  it  my  Passover,  in  which  my  soul  shall 
be  made  joyful,  in  being  exempted  from  the  wrath 
which  abideth  on  the  ungodly.  O  let  it  be  the  Sa- 
crament of  that  allegiance  to  thy  cause,  which  will 
lead  me  to  rejoice  when  I  am  counted  worthy  to 
suffer  shame  for  thy  name's  sake ;  and  to  glory  in 
nothing  save  in  the  cross  of  Christ.  Make  it  a  Feast, 
at  which  he  shall  sup  with  me,  and  1  with  him  ;  and 
in  which  my  heart  shall  be  refreshed  by  his  spiritual 
presence.  And  O  do  thou  make  it  a  precious  season 
of  Communion,  wherein  I  shall  hold  fellowship  with 
the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost ;  and  be  knit  with 
closer  bands  of  unity  lo  them  that  are  of  the  house- 
hold of  faith. 

Lord  Jesus,  help  me  to  keep  this  ordinance  in  re- 
membrance of  thee.  Give  me  knowledge  to  discern 
thy  body,  and  faith  to  feed  upon  thee.  Grant  me 
repentance,  love,  and  new  obedience ;  lest  coming 
unworthily,  I  eat  and  drink  judgment  to  myself. 
Make  me  a  partaker  of  thy  body  and  blood,  not  af- 
ter a  corporal  and  carnal  manner,  but  by  faith  ;  with 
all  thy  benefits,  to  my  spiritual  nourishment  and 
growth  in  grace.  Grant  me  comfort  from  this  feast, 
when  I  am  wounded  by  a  sense  of  sin ;  for  thou 
wast  revealed  to  take  away  sin  :  give  me  patience  in 
trials  and  afllictions,  by  looking  at  thee,  enduring 
the  contradiction  of  sinners,  and  the  hidings  of  thy 
Father's  love :  and  O  grant  that  I  may  imbibe  a 


.137 

holy  hatred  for  transgression,  when  T  look  at  thy 
body  broken  and  thy  blood  shed,  because  I  have  sin- 
ned.— Blessed  Jesus,  crowned  in  light  and  glory, 
dost  thou  indeed  desire  us  sinners  to  remennber  thee  ? 
O  that  we  should  ever  forget  our  Teacher,  our 
Priest,  and  our  King  !  O  help  nae  to  remember  the 
glory  thou  didst  leave,  the  flesh  thou  didst  adopt,  the 
reproach  thou  didst  meet,  and  the  sufferings  thou 
didst  endure,  that  1  might  be  redeemed  from  the 
curse  of  the  law,  and  be  made  a  partner  of  thine  in- 
heritance in  glory  I 

Heavenly  Father,  make  thy  people  feel  their  obli- 
gation to  celebrate  the  Supper  of  the  Lord.  Thou 
hast  commanded  it,  and  made  it  the  badge  of  their 
discipleship.  Thou  hast  set  it  forth  to  be  the  memo- 
rial of  a  Saviour's  love,  in  which  they  show  forth 
his  death,  before  heaven  and  earth.  And  thou  hast 
made  it  a  special  season  of  communion  with  thee, 
in  thy  banqueting-house,  when  thy  banner  over 
them  is  love. — 6  may  they  always  be  prepared 
for  this  service,  by  self  examination,  by  meditation, 
and  prayer :  and  so  let  them  eat  of  that  bread,  and 
drink  of  that  cup.  May  they  resolve,  upon  that  sa- 
cred altar,  that  they  will  renounce  every  transgres- 
sion, and  live  only  for  that  which  is  good  in  thy 
sight.  Give  them  an  affectionate  and  confiding 
trust  in  thy  covenant  of  grace ;  and  build  them  up, 
by  means  of  this  ordinance,  through  faith  unto  sal- 
vation. 

Lord,  grant  that  the  impenitent  my  reflect  that  if 
they  eat  not  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  drink  not 
his  blood,  they  shall  have  no  part  nor  lot  in  his  salva- 
tion. May  thy  Spirit  reveal  Christ  to  them  in  the 
breaking  of  bread,  in  all  his  fulness  and  willingness 
as  a  Saviour.  0  may  they  be  persuaded  to  make 
12* 


138 


with  him  a  covenant  of  mercy  and  obedience,  which 
shall  never  be  revoked  nor  forsaken. 

These  petitions  I  offer  thee,  Gracious  Father, 
through  him  whose  blood  speaketh  belter  things 
than  that  of  Abel ;  and  who  sittelh  at  thy  right 
hand,  to  make  intercession,  and  receive  the  service 
and  adoration  of  saints  and  angels  for  ever. 

LOVE    TO    GOD. 

Exalted  Jehovah,  thou  art  worthy,  both  by  thy 
nature  and  dealings,  of  the  strongest  love  of  all  thy 
rational  creatures.  Thou  art  perfect  in  all  the  attri- 
butes of  thy  character.  No  ignorance  impairs  thy 
wisdom  ;  no  error  perverts  thy  justice ;  no  falsehood 
clouds  thy  truth ;  no  spot  stains  thy  holiness.  Thou 
art  moreover,  merciful  and  gracious,  long-suffering, 
and  abundant  in  goodness.  O  that  the  language  of 
my  heart  might  always  be — "  Whom  have  I  in 
heaven  but  thee ;  and  there  is  none  on  earth  I  desire 
besides  thee."  Be  thou  my  Alpha  and  Omega ;  my 
morning  praise ;  my  noon-day  thought ;  my  even- 
ing prayer  ;  and  my  waking  meditation. 

Blessed  Jesus,  help  me  that  I  may  love  thee  with 
all  my  heart,  and  soul,  and  strength,  and  mind.  I 
desire  to  cherish  the  memory  of  thine  example  and 
instructions,  thy  benevolence  and  promises,  as  the 
dearest  objects  of  thought.  O  may  my  affection  for 
thee,  urge  me  to  advance  thy  glory,  to  desire  to  be 
conformed  to  thine  image,  to  seek  communion  with 
thee,  and  to  love  thy  house,  thine  ordinances,  thy 
word,  and  thy  people.  But  let  me  not  think  that 
any  strength  of  attachment  can  merit  thy  love  to 
me  ;  for  O  thine  acceptance  of  my  love  is  one  of  the 
crowniug  gifts  of  undeserved  mercy. 

Glorious  God,  may  thy  saints  bring  thee  the  full 


139 


tribute  of  their  hearts.  Let  the  constant  bearing  of 
their  thoughts  be  unto  thee,  and  the  remembrance  of 
thy  name.  Fill  their  hearts  with  gratitude  to  thee, 
and  lead  them  to  seek  thee  with  delight  in  all  the 
exercises  of  religion.  May  they  rejoice  in  thy  word, 
as  the  index  of  thy  will ;  and  take  pleasure  in  thy 
people,  as  the  excellent  of  the  earth ;  and  seek  the 
glory  of  Christ  more  than  the  favour  of  man,  or  the 
love  of  the  world. 

Lord,  bring  those  who  are  now  at  enmity  with 
thee,  to  esteem  and  desire  thee  as  their  chief  good. 
Cast  out  their  selfishness  and  aversion,  and  take  the 
dominion  of  their  hearts,  that  they  may  be  able  to 
say,  the  Lord  is  their  portion,  and  his  love  the  ful- 
ness of  their  joy. 

LOVE    OF    GOD. 

God  is  love.  Yes,  thou  art  good,  and  thou  lovest 
to  do  good.  The  eyes  of  all  are  unto  thee,  and  thou 
givest  them  their  meat  in  due  season :  thou  openest 
thy  hand,  and  satisfiest  the  desires  of  every  living 
thing.  Thy  tender  mercies  are  over  all  thy  works, 
and  thy  goodness  is  seen  in  all  thy  ways.  But  thou 
hast  most  commended  thy  love  to  us,  in  that  while 
we  were  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.  Here  it  is  be- 
yond parallel;  it  transcends  the  strongest  effort  of 
thought;  and  it  is  above  blessing  and  praise.  This 
is  the  bright  and  glorious  centre  of  thy  good  will  to 
man,  around  which  every  other  token  of  thy  mercy 
gathers. — I  would  praise  thee.  Lord,  for  the  com- 
mon and  special  benefits  of  thy  providence,  and  for 
that  wise  arrangement  of  the  laws  of  nature,  which 
promotes  the  happiness  and  well-being  of  thy  crea- 
tures :  yet  I  would  offer  thee  louder  strains  of  praise, 
and  stronger  feelings  of  gratitude,  for  thy  compas- 


140 


sion  to  our  souls,  in  revealing  thy  will,  in  teaching 
us  the  issues  of  eternity,  in  giving  thy  Son  to  bear 
our  iniquities,  and  in  bestowing  thy  Spirit,  to  con- 
vince us  of  sin,  to  enlighten  our  minds  in  the  know- 
ledge of  truth,  and  to  persuade  us  to  except  the  plan 
of  salvation. — Forbid  it,  O  God,  that  I  should  ever 
forget  or  undervalue  tiiy  favours  which  are  past;  or 
that  I  should  doubt  thy  suretiship  of  compassion  for 
the  future.  Continue  to  manifest  thyself  unto  me  as 
thou  dost  not  unto  the  world.  Enrich  thou  my  soul 
with  the  fulness  of  thy  love,  now,  henceforth,  and 
for  ever. 

O  Lord,  why  should  there  be  any  so  carnally- 
minded,  as  to  be  at  enmity  against  thee,  the  God  of 
love?  Show  them  thy  rich  goodness,  and  their  own 
dark  ingratitude.  Make  them  feel  that  this  world 
has  no  charms  when  compared  with  that  full  tide  of 
affection  which  flows  from  the  heart  of  God  towards 
them  that  put  their  trust  in  him.  O  make  many 
such  the  partners  of  thy  loving-kindness  in  Jesus, 
which  is  unto  eternal  life. 

LOVE   TO    MAN. 

Lord,  I  pray  thee,  for  Christ's  sake,  to  make  my 
heart  a  well-spring  of  affection  to  all  mankind.  Let 
no  jealousy,  nor  selfishness,  nor  anger,  nor  malice, 
lead  me  to  forget  that  every  man  is  my  brother. 
Thou  makest  thy  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on  the 
good  ;  and  sendest  rain  on  the  just  and  on  the  unjust. 
Why  then  should  I  shut  up  my  compassions  from 
any  that  are  my  fellow  creatures?  O  help  me  to 
feel  for  every  want,  and  to  sympathize  with  every 
wo,  that  afllicts  humanity.  And,  I  pray  thee,  dis- 
pose me,  in  benevolence  of  heart,  to  do  what  I  can 


141 


to  dry  up  the  fountains  of  human  misery,  and  to 
muhiply  the  sources  of  man's  real  happiness. 

Lord,  incline  me  to  love  the  souls  of  men.  May 
I  have  strong  pity  for  those  who  are  thoughtlessly 
or  wilfully  destroying  their  eternal  peace;  and  may 
I  seek  to  bring  them  under  the  influences  of  the 
blessed  gospel.  Grant  me  that  spirit  which  seeketh 
not  her  own,  and  is  not  easily  provoked,  and  that 
rejoiceth  in  the  truth.  Cause  me  to  abound  in  good 
will  to  the  brotherhood  of  faith,  and  to  be  kindly  af- 
fectioned  towards  them  in  brotherly  love.  May  I 
seek  their  company,  and  be  glad  in  their  prosperity, 
and  make  common  cause  with  them  in  all  their  in- 
terests.— Lord,  give  me,  I  pray  thee,  the  love  of 
benevolence  towards  every  thing  that  is  capable  of 
happiness  or  misery,  and  the  affection  of  compla- 
cency towards  every  creature  possessed  of  holiness. 

LUKEWARMNESS. 

Lord,  I  pray  thee,  through  thy  grace  in  Jesus,  to 
preserve  me  from  lukewarmness  in  my  religious  du- 
ties. Make  me  feel  an  interest  in  them  proportioned 
to  their  unspeakable  importance.  Let  no  worldly 
influence,  no  allurement  of  Satan,  no  selfish  de- 
sires, lower  the  tone  of  my  religious  feeling  and 
activity.  How  long,  O  Lord,  shall  I  serve  thee  with 
an  indifferent  heart — thee,  who  hast  infinite  claims 
on  my  most  ardent  attachment,  and  whose  service 
should  be  my  chief  delight.  O  rebuke  my  apathy, 
and  fill  me  with  a  holy  zeal.  Make  me  fervent  in 
spirit ;  and  whatsoever  my  hand  finds  to  do,  dispose 
me  to  do  it  with  my  might. 

LUXURY. 

Heavenly  Father,  guard  me  against  indulging  in 


142 


luxury.  Let  me  not  seek  to  make  provision  for  the 
flesh,  to  fulfil  the  lust  of  the  eye  or  the  pride  of  Ufe. 
Let  not  my  desires  go  out  in  anxious  pursuit  of  what 
I  shall  eat,  or  drink,  or  wherewithal  I  shall  be 
clothed;  nor  be  unduly  set  on  any  of  the  pomps  of 
sense  or  vanities  of  life.  May  I  use  this  world  as 
not  abusino;  it ;  rememberino;  that  a  man's  life  con- 
sists  not  in  the  abundance  of  the  things  he  possesses. 
Teach  me  that  earthly  indulgences  excite  pride  and 
sensuality;  and  that  instead  of  satisfying  the  heart, 
they  increase,  continually,  its  restless  desires  for  un- 
profitable and  corrupting  enjoyments.  Lord,  thou 
wilt  require  it  of  the  souls  of  those  who  lay  up  trea- 
sures for  themselves,  but  are  not  rich  towards  God. 
O  let  me  not  desire  to  live  in  pleasure  on  the  earth, 
nor  nourish  my  heart  as  in  a  day  of  slaughter. 
Make  me  content  with  a  competent  portion  of  the 
good  things  of  this  life,  and  let  me  enjoy  thy  bless- 
ing with  them.  Show  me  that  health  of  body,  peace 
of  mind,  and  ability  and  willingness  to  do  good  to 
others,  will  depend  on  my  abstinence  from  fleshly 
lusts. — Lord,  be  thou  to  me  more  than  all  thine 
other  gifts.  Incline  me  to  lay  up  treasure  in  hea- 
ven, that  there  my  heart  may  be  also. 

MALICE. 

Lord,  keep  my  heart  from  the  occasional  or  fre- 
quent influence  of  malice.  Let  no  rivalry  and  no 
sense  of  injury,  ever  excite  me  to  feelings  or  acts  of 
malignity.  O  how  infinitely  is  such  a  temper  op- 
posed to  thy  holiness ;  and  how  nearly  does  it 
approach  to  the  hatred  which  fills  the  bosoms  of  the 
damned  I — Blessed  Jesus,  bring  me  into  closer  like- 
ness to  thy  precious  example.  Thou  didst  not  ren- 
der railing  for  railing,  nor  evil  for  evil ;  but  contra-. 


143 


riwise,  blessing.  O  give  me,  I  pray  thee,  that  spirit 
of  love  which  worketh  no  ill  to  its  neighbour ;  and 
which  looks  on  the  earth,  in  all  its  length  and 
breadth,  as  one  neighbourhood — and  on  all  its  diver- 
silied  races,  as  one  brotherhood  of  man. 

MARRIAGE. 

Heavenly  Parent,  thou  hast  shown  both  thy  wis- 
dom and  goodness  in  the  institution  of  marriage. 
Thou  hast  sought  by  it  to  increase  the  happiness 
and  promote  the  virtue  of  mankind.  The  works  of 
thy  creation,  though  good  in  thy  sight,  were  unfi- 
nished while  man  dwelt  alone ;  and  thy  last  and  best 
gift  to  earth  was  she  that  should  be  a  fountain  of 
joy,  a  partner  of  pleasure,  and  a  solace  of  sorrow. 
Lord,  teach  all  men  that  this  relation  of  Hfe  is  still 
(and  must  be  throughout  the  annals  of  time,)  identi- 
fied with  the  comfort  and  welfare  of  our  race.  O 
let  none  with  ruthless  and  impious  hand,  undermine 
nor  overthrow  this  ordinance  of  God  ;  but  may  all 
regard  and  sustain  it  as  the  safeguard  of  purity,  the 
pledge  of  social  bliss,  and  the  bond  of  public  good. 

Lord,  reform  the  opinions  and  correct  the  practice 
of  christians  in  relation  to  unhallowed  marriages. 
Let  none  such  be  unequally  yoked  with  unbeliev- 
ers. May  they  marry  only  in  the  Lord.  Show 
them  that  those  who  ally  themselves  in  sacred  ties 
with  the  ungodly,  rebel  against  the  will  of  God,  cast 
snares  and  unhappiness  in  their  way  through  life, 
and  fearfully  hinder  the  grace  of  God  in  their  own 
hearts. 

Lord,  govern  by  the  dictates  of  affection,  pru- 
dence, and  piety,  those  who  would  enter  on  the 
duties  and  pleasures  of  matrimony.  Bless  all  who 
have  embarked  on  them.     May  their  relations  be 


144 

characterized  by  mutual  love,  esteem,  forbearance, 

assistance,  and  sympathy.  May  the  same  sincere, 
ardent,  unchangeable,  protecting,  and  providing 
love,  which  the  Saviour  manifests  to  his  spouse,  the 
church,  be  shown  by  the  husband  to  his  wife.  And 
do  thou  direct  her  conduct  to  him  in  subjection, 
reverence,  prudence,  and  love.  Lord,  make  their 
union  conducive  to  every  rational  good  of  human 
life.  Let  it  be  an  emblem  of  the  union  between 
Christ  and  his  church  ;  that  they  may  walk  in  all 
the  statutes  and  ordinances  of  the  Lord,  blameless, 
and  be  made  mutual  helpers  in  the  fellowship  of  the 
gospel  of  Jesus  Christ. 

MASTERS. 

O  thou,  who  art  King  of  Kings  and  Lord  of 
Lords,  bless  those  who  occupy  places  of  authority 
over  their  inferiors.  Teach  them  the  duties  of  their 
stations.  Induce  masters  to  give  that  which  is  just 
and  equal  to  their  servants,  in  every  thing  that  re- 
lates to  courtesy,  recompense,  and  good-will.  May 
Ihey  forbear  threatening,  knowing  that  their  master 
is  in  heaven,  and  that  with  him  there  is  no  respect 
of  persons.  May  they  reflect  that  though  their  ser- 
vants are  inferior  in  rank,  they  are  their  equals  by 
nature,  equals  in  the  grave,  and  equals  at  the  throne 
of  judgment. — Show  them  that  the  labourer  is  wor- 
thy of  his  hire :  and  let  no  honest  wages  be  kept 
back  by  meanness  or  fraud  ;  lest  the  cry  of  the  hire- 
ling enter  into  the  ears  of  the  Lord  God  of  Sabaoth, 
and  thou  render  vengeance  for  unrequited  toil. — 
Lord,  incline  the  hearts  of  masters  to  kindness. 
Make  them  careful  to  avoid  unjust  exaction  of  la- 
bour, and  every  display  of  the  pride  of  rank  and 
authority.     Give  them  patience  under  provocation  ; 


146 

and  lead  them  to  seek  every  reasonable  comfort  for 
their  domestics.  And  above  all,  may  they  strive  to 
promote  their  spiritual  welfare,  by  setting  them  a 
godly  example,  by  giving  them  full  access  to  the 
means  of  grace,  and  by  personal  exertions  that  they 
may  become  the  servants  of  God,  and  heirs  of  that 
recompense  of  reward  which  liveth  and  abideth  for 
ever. 

MEANS    OF    GRACE. 

Lord,  I  thank  thee  for  those  means  of  grace 
which  thou  hast  appointed  for  the  instruction,  con- 
viction, conversion,  and  sanctification  of  mankind. 
O  bless  me,  I  pray  thee,  in  the  enjoyment  of  them. 
Make  the  holy  scriptures  profitable  to  me  for  doc- 
trine, reproof,  correction,  and  instruction  in  righte- 
ousness. May  thy  preached  gospel  bring  me  glad 
tidings  of  good  things.  Make  the  holy  sacraments 
means  of  teaching  me  the  precious  love  of  Christ, 
and  of  giving  me  the  washing  of  regeneration 
through  the  Holy  Spirit.  O  cause  the  exercises  of 
public,  social,  and  private  prayer  to  make  me  feel  my 
wants,  and  thine  infinite  fulness  and  willingness  to 
supply  them.  May  I  sing  thy  praises  with  melody 
of  heart.  Give  me  grace  to  keep  the  season  of  fast- 
ing or  of  thanksgiving,  so  that  it  may  be  a  time  of 
refreshing  from  thy  presence.  Grant  me  the  sanc- 
tified use  of  meditation  and  self-examination ;  and 
lead  me  to  such  fellowship  with  thy  saints,  as  will 
strengthen  my  heart  and  encourage  my  zeal  in  the 
chrisiian  race. 

Blessed  God,  I  humbly  pray  thee,  that  I  may  use 
these  privileges  only  as  the  means,  and  not  as  the 
end,  of  religion.    Make  me  regard  them  as  the  chan- 
nels through  which  thou  dost  vouchsafe  to  pour  the 
13 


146 

l-efreshing  streams  of  thy  grace.  It  is  the  Spirit 
which  gives  efficacy  to  all  the  appointments  of  thy 
mercy.  O  Lord,  make  me  understand  that  while  I 
work  out  my  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling,  it 
is  thou  who  workest  in  me  both  to  will  and  to  do,  of 
thine  own  good  pleasure. 

MEDIATOR. 

Heavenly  Father,  I  would  praise  and  magnify  thy 
name,  that  thou  hast  laid  help  upon  one  who  is 
mighty  to  save  unto  the  uttermost,  all  who  come 
unto  thee  by  him.  Though  the  human  race  was  at 
enmity  with  thee,  and  lay  exposed  to  thy  curse,  thou 
didst,  in  infinite  mercy,  appoint  an  Interposer  be- 
tween thee  and  us,  that  we,  who  were  alienated  and 
enemies  by  wicked  works,  might  be  reconciled  in 
the  body  of  his  flesh,  through  death.  We  thank 
thee  that  we  are  not  called  to  that  mountain  which 
burned  with  fire,  and  was  clouded  with  darkness  and 
tempest;  but  to  Jesus,  the  Mediator  of  the  new  cove- 
nant, and  to  that  blood  of  sprinkling  which  spcaketh 
better  things  than  that  of  Abel.  O,  it  was  needful 
that  he  should  be  the  Son  of  God  ;  for  no  other 
sacrifice  could  satisfy  the  demands  of  infinite  jus- 
tice— and  he  must  needs  be  the  Son  of  Man  ;  since 
without  the  shedding  of  blood,  there  is  no  remission 
of  sins.  He  who  is  our  eternal  Daysman,  has  infi- 
nite fitness  for  his  high  and  holy  office:  for  in  him 
dwells  the  fulness  of  power,  wisdom,  and  mercy. 

Blessed  Jesus,  be  thou  the  propitiation  for  my  sins; 
and  not  for  mine  only,  but  also  for  the  whole  world. 
O  thou  who  didst  become  the  High  Priest  of  thine 
own  sacrifice,  to  make  reconciliation  for  the  sins  of 
the  people,  do  thou  blot  out  the  hand- writing  of  ordi- 
nances that  was  recorded  against  me  for  my  trans- 


147 

gressions — procure  for  me  by  thine  intercession,  the 
loving-kindness  of  Jehovah — and  bind  all  my  affec- 
tions to  the  throne  of  grace,  by  that  new,  and  better, 
and  everlasting  covenant,  which  is  the  fruit  of  thy 
wisdom  and  mercy,  and  the  work  of  thy  power  and 
grace,  unto  salvation. — Heavenly  Father,  make  the 
words  of  my  mouth,  and  the  meditations  of  my 
heart,  and  the  service  of  my  life,  acceptable  to  thee, 
through  him  who  is  my  Strength  and  my  Redeemer. 

MEDITATION. 

Blessed  Jehovah,  enable  me  to  withdraw  my 
thoughts  and  desires,  at  frequent  seasons,  from  the 
things  that  are  seen  and  temporal,  and  to  fix  them 
on  those  that  are  unseen  and  eternal.  O  may  thy 
character,  in  all  its  variety  and  fulness,  be  a  rich 
topic  of  my  meditation.  Grant  me  holy  and  exalted 
converse  with  thine  attributes,  as  they  are  revealed  in 
thy  word,  and  in  ihy  works  of  creation,  providence, 
and  redemption. — May  Jesus  be  to  my  soul,  the  chief 
among  ten  thousand,  and  one  altogether  lovely. — 
Draw  out  my  thoughts  sweetly  and  confidingly,  to 
that  Holy  Spirit,  whose  work  is  quietness  and  assu- 
rance for  ever. — May  I  love  to  dwell  upon  the  law 
of  thy  mouth  ;  and  do  thou  make  it  better  to  me  than 
thousands  of  gold  and  silver. — Teach  me  in  these 
hours  of  reflection,  my  weakness  and  sinfulness,  and 
the  means  by  which  I  may  grow  in  grace,  and  ad- 
vance the  various  interests  of  thy  kingdom. — Help 
me,  O  Lord,  to  fix  my  thoughts  on  the  shortness  of 
time,  the  certainty  of  death,  and  the  undying  worth 
of  the  soul. 

Lord,  grant  me  the  presence  and  blessing  of  thy 
Spirit,  in  these  solemn  meditations.  May  the  peace 
of  God,  which  passeth  understanding,  fill  my  heart, 


148 

and  make  it  a  fountain  of  love  to  God  and  good-will 
to  man.  May  my  knowledge  be  refreshed  and  en- 
larged. While  I  muse  on  holy  things,  cause  the 
fire  to  burn  within  me,  until  the  dross  of  sin  be  con- 
sumed, and  my  soul  be  as  gold  that  has  been  tried  in 
the  furnace.  O  vouchsafe  unto  me,  rich  foretastes 
of  those  heavenly  contemplations,  where  no  cloud 
of  sense  nor  of  sin  shall  shut  out  the  light  of  thy  pre- 
sence, and  where  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 

MEEKNESS. 

Merciful  God,  impart  to  me  the  grace  of  meek- 
ness. Preserve  me  from  the  exercise  of  a  violent 
and  overbearing  temper.  Break  down  the  native 
stubbornness  and  resentment  of  my  heart ;  and  give 
me  that  child-like  spirit  which  knows  no  will  but 
that  of  its  heavenly  Father.  Bestow  on  me  that 
temper  of  soul  which  seeketh  not  its  own  selfish 
good ;  that  is  not  easily  provoked  by  injury ;  and 
that  hopeth  all  things  before  it  thinketh  evil  of  any 
one.  May  this  state  of  mind  be  the  working  of  thy 
Spirit,  teaching  me  that  I  am,  in  myself,  weak  and 
sinful,  and  that  thou  requirest  meekness  of  spirit  in 
all  that  would  be  followers  of  Christ :  for  if  any  man 
have  not  the  spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his.  Show 
me  that  this  grace  is  an  ornament  of  great  price  in  thy 
sight ;  and  that  he  who  ruleth  his  own  spirit  is  great- 
er than  he  who  taketh  a  city ;  and  that  he  findeth  rest 
for  his  soul,  in  learning  of  him  who  was  meek  and 
lowly  in  heart.  Lord,  excite  me  to  seek  this  hea- 
venly mind,  by  considering  the  examples  of  the  pa- 
triarchs and  prophets,  of  the  apostles,  and  Jesus 
Christ,  who  manifested  it.  O  grant  me  the  bless- 
ing of  those  who  inherit  the  earth  ;  and  whom  thou 
makest  the  dwelling-place  of  thy  power  and  mercy. 


149 


MEMORY. 

Lord,  sanctify  and  invigorate,  for  Jesus'  sake,  all 
the  actings  of  my  memory.  O  how  has  this  noble 
faculty  been  weakened  and  corrupted  by  the  fall ! 
But  thou  canst  restore  it;  and  instead  of  suffering  it 
to  run  after  forbidden  and  unholy  things,  thou  canst 
give  it  exercise  on  those  things  which  belong  to  wis- 
dom and  salvation.  Lead  me,  I  pray  thee,  to  re- 
member thee,  my  Creator,  and  all  thine  excellent 
mercies.  May  my  memory  be  precious  of  him  who 
is  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life.  Impress  indeli- 
bly on  my  thoughts,  the  doctrines,  precepts,  warn- 
ings, and  promises  of  thy  word.  Make  me  mindful 
of  my  transgressions,  and  let  my  sin  be  ever  before 
me.  Enable  me  to  bring  up  in  review,  the  cove- 
nants and  promises  I  have  made  to  thee ;  and  lead 
me  to  pay  unto  thee  my  vows. 

O  Lord,  preserve  me  from  every  thing,  moral  or 
physical,  that  will  weaken  or  deprave  my  memory. 
Lead  me  to  the  use  of  such  means  as  will  promote 
its  strength  and  purity.  May  I  regard  and  value  it 
as  the  store-house  of  knowledge  and  comfort ;  the 
spring  of  repentance  and  hope ;  and  the  monitor  of 
thankfulness  and  faith.  May  it  retain  that  which  is 
good,  and  banish  that  which  is  evil.  Dispose  me  to 
practice  every  holy  thing  it  remembers  ;  and  grant 
that  I  may  so  use  this  noble  power,  that  I  may  glo- 
rify thee  in  my  body  and  spirit  which  are  thine. 

MERCY. 

Great  Giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  grant 
me  a  sanctifying  and  saving  knowledge  of  thy  mer- 
cy.    O  thou  art  good  and  gracious  ;  slow  to  anger, 
and  plenteous  in  mercy.     Yet  thou  hast  a  perfect 
13* 


150 

right  to  withhold  it  from  us — yea,  to  visit  us  with 
unmixed  and  irretrievable  evil :  for  we  are  not  only 
unworthy  of  the  least  expression  of  thy  goodness, 
but  we  have  deserved  the  strong  retributions  of  thy 
wrath.  Nevertheless,  thy  goodness  has  pursued  us 
in  all  the  walks  of  life.  It  has  stayed,  or  soothed, 
or  healed  the  inflictions  of  merited  evil ;  and  it  has 
bestowed  on  us  uncounted  tokens  of  unmerited  good. 
When  we  have  been  thoughtless  of  thee,  thou  hast  been 
mindful  of  us :  when  we  have  hated  thee,  thou  hast 
loved  us.  Verily,  thou  art  long-suffering,  and  abun- 
dant in  compassion.  Thou  dost  not  mete  unto  man 
evil  for  evil ;  but  dost  crown  him  with  loving-kind- 
ness and  tender  mercy. 

O  that  my  memory  could  retain,  and  that  my 
heart  could  properly  value,  the  long  catalogue  of 
thine  affectionate  dealings  with  me.  Thou  hast 
watched  over  me  by  night,  and  guarded  me  by  day : 
thou  hast  preserved  me  in  health,  and  healed  me  in 
sickness :  thou  hast  chosen  for  me  the  changes  of 
life,  and  hast  suited  me  to  them  :  and  more  than  all 
things  else,  thou  hast  given  our  race  that  mercy  of 
Christ,  whereby  the  day-spring  from  on  high  hath 
visited  us,  with  healing  in  its  beams.  Lord,  enable 
me  to  cherish  a  suitable  estimate  of  thy  goodness. 
May  it  lead  me  to  love  thee,  and  do  thy  will — may 
it  succour  me  when  I  am  tempted,  and  comfort  me 
when  I  am  grieved. — May  it  strengthen  me  in  the 
hour  of  death,  and  be  the  song  of  my  rejoicing 
throughout  the  ages  of  eternity. 

Compassionate  Father,  deal  not  in  strict  justice 
with  those  who  are  now  rejecting  thy  mercy.  Say 
not  in  thy  wrath,  that  they  shall  not  enter  thy  rest. 
Make  them  hear  thy  tender  and  oft-repeated  entrea- 
ties to  turn  from  their  wickedness,  whilst  thou  art 


]51 

waiting  to  be  gracious.  Display  to  them  the  riches 
and  fulness  of  that  compassion,  which  brings  the 
Sovereign  of  heaven  to  plead  with  them,  and  to  pur- 
sue them  in  their  obstinacy,  with  so  many  expres- 
sions of  love.  Extend  to  them  thy  golden  sceptre  of 
grace,  that  they  may  touch  it  and  live.  O  forsake 
them  not ;  but  multiply  thy  mercies  upon  them,  un- 
til their  hardness  of  heart  shall  be  melted  down  in 
humble  sorrow  and  love — until  their  rebellious  wills 
shall  be  brought  to  serve  the  living  and  true  God. 

MILLENNIU3I. 

Great  God,  rejoice  my  heart  with  frequent  and 
thankful  contemplations  of  that  millennial  glory, 
when  thy  name  shall  be  great  among  the  heathen, 
and  when  thou  wilt  give  them  to  thy  Son  for  his  in- 
heritance, and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for 
his  possession.  Then  thou  wilt  pour  out  thy  Holy 
Spirit  without  measure,  and  darkness  and  transgres- 
sion will  be  supplanted  by  light  and  obedience. 
Love  to  God  and  love  to  man,  will  fill  the  hearts  of 
all  the  dwellers  on  earth:  they  shall  beat  their 
swords  into  ploughshares,  and  theirs  spears  into 
pruning-hooks  :  nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against 
nation,  neither  shall  they  learn  war  any  more. 
Then  there  will  be  no  clashing  of  sects ;  for  there 
will  be  one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism.  The  hea- 
vens shall  give  their  dew  ;  the  earth  shall  give  her 
increase ;  plenty  shall  fill  the  basket  and  the  store, 
and  fulness  shall  satisfy  the  hearts  of  the  people. 
The  light  of  the  moon  shall  be  as  the  light  of  the 
sun,  and  the  light  of  the  sun  shall  be  seven-fold,  as 
the  light  of  seven  days.  The  mountain  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord  shall  be  established  in  the  top  of  the 
mountains,  and  exalted  above  the  hills.     O  then 


152 

there  will  be  great  voices  in  heaven,  saying,  "  The 
kingdoms  of  the  world  are  become  the  kingdoms  of 
the  Lord,  and  of  his  Christ,  and  he  shall  reign  for 
ever  and  ever." 

Lord,  teach  all  thy  people  the  duties  that  belong 
to  them  in  reference  to  the  coming  of  that  glorious 
season.  May  they  trim  their  lamps,  and  keep  their 
lights  burning,  and  be  ready  at  the  advent  of  their 
Master.  But  do  thou  show  them  that  his  glorious 
appearing  will  be  by  the  instrumentality  of  the  sanc- 
tified and  intelligent  eflbrts  of  his  church.  O  induce 
them  to  desire  it  ardently,  to  pray  for  it  fervently,  to 
hope  for  it  believingly,  and  to  labour  for  it  diligently, 
in  all  those  measures  which  thou  hast  been  pleased 
to  institute,  as  the  means  of  accomplishing  it.  Bless 
their  souls,  and  bless  ail  their  works  of  faith,  and 
labours  of  love.  O  hasten  thy  glorious  dominion. 
Spread  it  from  pole  to  pole,  from  sea  to  sea,  and 
from  the  river  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth;  and  fill  the 
wide  world  with  thy  knowledge,  even  as  the  waters 
cover  the  sea. 

MI^'ISTRY. 

Great  Author  and  Dispenser  of  Truth,  bless  those 
whom  thou  hast  set  to  preach  the  everlasting  gospel, 
and  to  bring  glad  tidings  of  good  things.  Thou  hast 
not  given  us  the  ministry  of  angels,  but  of  men  ;  and 
hast  given  us  this  treasure  in  earthen  vessels,  that 
the  excellency  of  the  power  might  be  of  God.  It 
has  pleased  thee  by  that  which  the  world  calls  the 
foolishness  of  preaching,  to  save  them  that  believe. 

Lord  of  the  Vineyai-d,  let  none  take  upon  them 
this  holy  office,  who  are  unfit  for  its  sacred  duties, 
in  body,  mind,  or  spirit.  Yet  do  thou  call  out  and 
prepare  many,  very  many,  who  thou  knowest  are 


153 


meet  for  the  divine  work  of  saving  souls.  Qualify 
those  who  are  now  ambassadors  for  Christ,  and  enable 
them  to  persuade  men  to  be  reconciled  to  God.  Make 
them  men  of  strong  and  cultivated  judgment ;  of  dili- 
gent  and  persevering  study ;  of  zealous  and  faithful 
labour  ;  and  of  prayerful,  fervent,  and  consistent 
piety.  Make  them  as  the  voice  of  him  that  cried  in 
the  wilderness,  "Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord; 
make  his  paths  straight."  May  they  be  them- 
selves instructed  unto  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and 
bring  forth  out  of  their  treasure,  things  new  and  old. 
Let  them  not  confer  with  flesh  and  blood.  Bestow 
on  them  a  mouth  and  wisdom  which  their  enemies 
shall  not  be  able  to  gainsay  nor  resist.  Give  them 
grace  to  speak  thy  word  with  all  boldness  ;  keeping 
back  nothing  that  is  profitable  ;  shunning  not  to  de- 
clare all  the  counsel  of  God  ;  and  having  this  record, 
that  they  are  pure  from  the  blood  of  all  men. 

O  Lord,  bring  them  before  their  flocks  in  the  ful- 
ness of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel  of  Christ.  May 
their  preaching  be  in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit  and 
of  power.  Let  thy  pleasure  prosper  in  their  hands, 
and  thy  word  have  free  course  and  be  glorified. 
May  they  seek  diligently  to  bring  the  religion  of 
their  people  up  to  the  standard  of  the  Bible — to  the 
measure  of  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints. 
Give  them  power  to  alarm  the  guilty  consciences, 
and  to  persuade  the  stubborn  wills  of  the  impenitent. 
Let  them  not  be  compelled  to  say,  "  All  day  long, 
we  have  stretched  forth  our  hands  unto  a  disobedient 
and  gainsaying  people :"  nor  to  ask  in  despair, 
"  Who  hath  beheved  our  report,  and  to  whom  is  the 
arm  of  the  Lord  revealed  ]"  O  make  them  guides 
of  the  blind,  and  lights  of  them  which  are  in  dark- 
ness.    Grant  that  by  their  eflJbrts,  revivals  of  pure 


154 


and  undefiled  religion  shall  prevail,  to  cleanse  thy 
church  and  to  save  perishing  sinners. 

Shepherd  of  Israel,  incline  thy  people  to  discharge 
the  duties  they  owe  to  the  messengers  of  thy  word. 
May  they  remember  that  the  labourer  is  worthy  of 
his  hire,  and  that  they  who  preach  the  gospel,  should 
live  of  the  gospel.  May  they  properly  appreciate 
the  office  of  those  that  are  over  them  in  the  Lord, 
and  esteem  such  very  highly  in  love  for  their  works' 
sake.  Make  them  careful  to  maintain  all  the  insti- 
tutions of  thy  word.  May  they  listen  to  the  preached 
message  with  the  preparation  of  heart,  the  culture  of 
prayer,  the  hearing  of  faith,  and  the  purpose  of  obe- 
dience :  receivinfr  with  meekness  the  eno;rafted  word, 
as  that  which  ministers  grace  to  the  hearers.  Bless- 
ed Lord,  excite  them  to  sustain  thy  ministering 
servants  by  their  intercessory  prayers,  that  thou 
wouldst  make  them  wise  as  serpents,  and  harmless  as 
doves-' — that  thou  wouldst  enable  them  to  turn  many 
to  righteousness,  who  shall  be  as  stars  in  the  crowns 
of  their  rejoicing  at  the  last  day. 

Lord,  give  to  every  destitute  flock  a  pastor  after 
thine  own  heart,  who  shall  go  in  and  out  before  his 
people  in  riijjhteousness  and  zeal.  Send  thy  messen- 
gers of  mercy  to  those  who  are  perishing  for  lack  of 
knowledge.  O  raise  up,  and  qualify,  and  send  forth 
those  who  shall  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in 
the  name  of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost;  and 
be  thou  with  them  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world. 

These  mercies,  and  every  thing  else  which  I  de- 
sire, I  would  humbly  ask  through  the  perfect  merit 
and  prevailing  intercession  of  Jesus,  unto  whom 
with  the  Father  and  the  Spirit,  one  God,  be  eternal 
praise. 


155 

Missions. — See  Heathen,  Idolatry^ 

MOHAMMEDANS. 

Lord,  look  in  mercy  on  the  followers  of  the  False 
Prophet,  whose  system  of  blood  and  sensuality  has 
dragged  into  the  net  of  delusion  and  death,  so  many 
millions  of  the  human  family.  Thou  seest  how  they 
have  usurped  the  seats  of  the  early  triumphs  of  the 
gospel  ;  and  how  they  are  trampling  underfoot  con- 
science and  liberty,  in  the  scenes  where  Jesus  and 
his  apostles  taught,  and  toiled,  and  died  for  the 
blessed  truth  of  God.  O  Lord,  open  a  great  and 
effectual  door  of  access  to  this  people,  through  which 
the  chariot  of  thy  gospel  may  go  forth,  conquering 
and  to  conquer.  Subdue  their  prejudice  and  bigotry; 
destroy  their  licentiousness  and  love  of  carnage  ; 
supplant  their  pride  and  superstition :  and  on  the 
ruins  of  this  dominion  of  sin,  build  that  kingdom  of 
righteousness,  which  is  peace  on  earth  and  good  will 
to  men. 

MORNING. 

O  God,  thou  art  my  God :  early  will  I  seek  thee* 
I  thank  thee  for  peaceful  and  refreshing  sleep,  and 
for  the  returning  light  of  the  morning.  Lift  thou  on 
my  soul,  the  light  of  thy  reconciled  and  life-giving 
countenance.  May  my  heart  rejoice  in  the  daily 
renewals  of  thy  love,  even  as  the  springing  grass  re- 
joices in  the  reviving  visits  of  the  morning  sun.  O 
cause  my  first  awakings  of  thought — my  earliest 
desires,  to  fix  on  thee  and  the  remembrance  of  thy 
name. — Whilst  1  have  slept  in  quiet  comfort,  many 
have  been  racked  by  pain  or  disease ;  or  disturbed 
by  fear  or  calamity  ;  or  suddenly  called  to  the  retri- 


156 


butions  of  eternity. — Grant  me  grace,  for  Christ's 
sake,  to  meet  and  discharge  the  duties  of  this  day. 
Let  me  not  undertake  any  thing  which  is  not  agreea- 
ble to  thee.  Dispose  me  to  follow  all  my  occupa- 
tions in  the  world  with  a  heavenly  mind.  May  I 
use  this  world  as  not  abusing  it;  and  pass  through 
things  temporal,  so  as  not  to  forget  nor  forfeit  the 
things  eternal.  Enable  me  to  make  this  life  my 
journey  to  my  everlasting  home. 

O  Lord,  let  a  conviction  of  thy  presence  and  of 
my  accountability,  pursue  me  in  my  worldly  busi- 
ness, and  render  me  subservient  to  thy  will.  Pro- 
tect me  from  folly,  error,  and  sin.  Make  me  kind, 
forbearing,  and  just  in  all  my  intercourse  with  man- 
kind. Preserve  me  from  exercising  selfishness,  de- 
ceit, or  ill-will,  towards  any  one.  Be  pleased, 
Gracious  God,  to  make  the  allotments  of  thy  pro- 
vidence towards  me  this  day,  such  as  may  not  tempt 
me  to  evil ;  but  such  as  will  work  together  for  my 
good.  Guard  my  thoughts,  that  they  may  not  tam- 
per with  sin  ;  and  my  lips,  that  1  oflend  not  with  my 
tongue  ;  and  my  feet,  that  tbey  wander  not  in  forbid- 
den paths.  Grant  me  disposition  and  leisure  to  re- 
tire from  the  world,  to  hold  sweet  and  profitable 
communion  with  thee  at  thy  throne  of  grace.  And, 
O  may  I  find  at  the  close  of  this  day,  that  while  I 
have  been  drawn  so  much  nearer  eternity,  I  have 
been  equally  advanced  in  meetness  for  the  inheri- 
tance of  the  saints  in  light. 

MOTIVES. 

Lord,  I  pray  thee,  tlirough  the  merits  of  Jesus 
Christ,  that  thou  wouldst  sanctify  my  motives.  Let 
my  outward  conduct  be  according  to  righteousness 
and  mercy ;  but  O,  do  thou  make  my  heart  pure  in 


157 

all  its  promptings  towards  duty.  Dispose  me  to 
watch  narrowly,  lest  I  make  a  merit  of  good  works ; 
or  perform  them  to  he  seen  of  men,  or  to  advance 
my  selfish  interests.  Raise  me  above  the  love  of 
self,  and  the  desire  of  applause.  Let  not  my  mo- 
tives, when  they  are  right,  be  unsteady;  but  do  thou 
give  them  such  stability  as  shall  cause  me  to  be 
steadfast,  unmoveable,  alwa3^s  abounding  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord.  Teach  me  that  if  my  purposes 
are  right  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  thou  wilt  bless  me, 
though  thou  mayst  see  fit  to  deny  their  accomplish- 
ment. Show  me  that  where  there  is  a  will  to  serve 
thee,  it  is  accepted  according  to  what  a  man  hath, 
and  not  according  to  what  a  man  hath  not ;  for  even 
the  widow's  mite  secured  a  richer  meed  of  favour 
than  the  expensive  gifts  of  the  wealthy  ;  and  a  cup 
of  cold  water  given  to  a  disciple,  out  of  love  to  Jesus, 
shall  in  no  wise  lose  its  reward.  Blessed  Lord, 
make  mine  eye  single,  and  my  heart  sincere.  May 
I  do  good,  not  to  be  seen  of  men,  but  in  the  spirit  of 
not  letting  my  left  hand  know  what  my  right  hand 
doeth ;  for  my  Father  which  seeth  in  secret,  ^ill  re- 
ward me  openly.  Lord,  I  would  not  seek  to  do  thy 
will  merely  that  I  may  derive  comfort  from  so  doing; 
but  because  it  is  thy  pleasure  that  I  should  obey  thee, 
and  because  it  should  be  my  own  desire  that  good 
may  be  done,  for  thy  glory  and  human  welfare. 

NEW    YEAR. 

O  thou  God  of  the  rolling  seasons,  assist  me  to 
bring  before  my  mind,  in  solemn  review,  the  trans- 
actions in  which  1  have  been  engaged  during  the  last 
year.  Although  most  of  them  have  vanished,  or  are 
dimly  seen  like  faint  and  dying  shadows,  yet  before 
thee  they  stand  in  living  freshness.  Though  the 
14 


158 

record  of  them  is  fast  wasting  away  from  the  treach- 
erous tablet  of  my  memory,  yet  they  are  written,  as 
with  a  pen  of  iron,  on  the  books  of  ihy  remembrance, 
where  they  will  remain  until  that  fearful  hour  of 
trial,  when  the  books  shall  be  opened,  and  all  men 
shall  be  judged  out  of  the  things  that  are  written 
therein,  whether  they  be  good  or  evil. 

Lord,  I  desire  to  acknowledge  before  thee  with 
godly  sorrow,  that  I  have  neglected  many  duties, 
and  abused  many  privileges,  during  the  past  year. 
My  heart,  and  my  lips,  and  my  hands,  have  often 
been  the  agents  of  transgression.  Many  of  thy  mercies 
have  been  ungratefully  perverted  or  forgotten  ;  and 
thy  chastenings  have  often  been  despised,  or  unheed- 
ed. O,  my  tongue  would  grow  weary,  and  my  heart 
would  sicken,  if  I  should  undertake  to  recite  all  my 
iniquities  before  thee.  Help  me,  I  pray  thee,  for  the 
sake  of  our  Great  Advocate,  to  repent  over  them,  to 
loathe  and  forsake  them,  and  to  look  to  thee  for 
strength,  that  the  time  past  of  my  life  may  suffice  to 
have  wrought  the  deeds  of  the  flesh,  and  that  hence- 
forth I  may  live  to  the  will  of  God. 

O  Lord,  I  desire  to  enter  the  coming  year,  feeling 
the  solemn  responsibilities  of  human  life.  I  know 
not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth,  nor  what  the  ap- 
proaching months  may  reveal  respecting  me  :  except 
thai  they  will  bring  me  so  much  nearer  eternity,  and 
be  full  of  records  of  my  growth  in  grace,  or  of  my 
backslidings  from  thy  holy  law.  Yet  I  thank  thee 
that  my  span  of  life  is  still  lengthened  out,  and  that 
I  am  still  permitted  to  enjoy  the  precious  opportuni- 
ties that  have  been  vouchsafed  to  me  in  days  past. 
O  God,  assist  me,  I  beseech  thee,  to  discharge 
aright  all  the  duties  that  lie  before  me.  Make  me 
understand  the  uncertainty  of  time,  the  worth  of  my 


159 

soul,  the  multiplied  interests  of  my  fellow-travellers 
to  eternity,  and  the  righteous  claims  of  thy  service. 
Make  me  watchful  against  the  many  dangers  to 
which  I  am  exposed.  Strengthen  my  love  to  thee  ; 
deepen  my  convictions  of  sin ;  animate  my  desires 
after  hohness ;  increase  my  spirit  of  prayer  ;  enlarge 
my  benevolence  ;  and  lead  me  in  thine  own  way,  for 
thy  name's  sake.  Protect  me  by  thy  care  ;  supply 
me  by  thy  bounty;  and  grant  me  an  increasing 
meetness  for  that  state  where  these  changing  seasons 
will  give  place  to  an  endless  Hfe. 

Lord,  make  this  opening  year,  a  year  of  the  right 
hand  of  the  Most  Fligh.  "Pour  the  healing  balm  of 
peace  on  all  the  bleeding  wounds  of  thy  church. 
Spread  over  her  the  spotless  mantle  of  purity.  In- 
vigorate her  by  the  reviving  power  of  truth.  Awa- 
ken her  to  renewed  efforts  in  doing  good.  O  may 
these  months  stand  forth  in  the  history  of  redemp- 
tion, as  precious  seasons  of  refreshing  from  thy  holy 
and  life-giving  presence. 

NIGHT. 

Great  God,  I  thank  thee  for  the  light,  the  com- 
forts, and  the  duties  of  this  day.  Assist  my  thoughts 
now  in  meditating  on  its  transactions.  Bless  what- 
ever thou  hast  seen  in  me  which  has  been  agreeable 
to  thy  will.  Grant  me  repentance  and  forgiveness 
for  whatever  has  been  sinful  in  thy  sight ;  and  pre- 
pare me  by  godly  sorrow,  and  renewing  grace,  for 
better  conformity  in  time  to  come.  As  my  allotted 
span  of  life  grows  shorter  every  day,  may  I  make 
daily,  some  progress  in  the  way  to  heaven. 

O  Lord,  take  me  into  thy  keeping  during  the 
watches  of  the  night.  The  darkness  and  the  light 
are  both  alike  to  thee.     May  thine  eye  that  never 


160 

slumbers,  keep  guard  over  nie ;  and  thine  arm  that 
is  never  weary,  protect  me.  May  I  lie  down,  having 
my  thoughts  directed  to  thee,  and  the  things  that 
belong  to  my  peace.  Teach  me  to  look  on  sleep  as 
the  emblem  of  death;  and  to  seek  that  preparation  of 
heart  with  which  I  should  desire  to  meet  the  king  of 
terrors.  May  the  close  of  each  day  remind  me  of 
that  night  of  death  in  which  no  man  can  work,  and 
urge  me  to  finish  every  work  thou  hast  given  me  to 
do.  Preserve  me,  I  pray  thee,  from  fear,  from  acci- 
dent, from  sickness,  and  from  death.  Make  my 
sleep  quiet  and  refreshing.  And  grant  that  when  I 
awake  in  the  morning,  my  thoughts  may  be  full  of 
thankfulness  to  thee  for  thy  protecting  and  satisfying 
goodness. 

OBEDIENCE. 

Adorable  Jehovah,  bestow  on  me,  for  the  merits 
of  thy  Son,  the  spirit  of  unreserved  and  full-hearted 
obedience  to  thy  law.  Thou  art  entitled  to  the  ser- 
vice of  all  thy  creatures.  Thou  didst  form  man  out 
of  the  dust  of  the  ground,  and  didst  give  him  the 
breath  of  life,  that  he  should  honour  and  obey  thee. 
Thou  hast  preserved  his  being,  and  gathered  around 
him  the  comforts  of  life,  that  he  should  show  forth 
thy  praise.  And  he  owes  thee  allegiance,  because 
thou  art  the  Governor  of  the  universe,  having  a 
right  to  do  thy  pleasure  among  the  arm\  of  heaven 
and  the  inhabitants  of  earth  ;  none  of  whom  can  re- 
sist thy  will,  but  at  the  risk  of  thy  sore  displeasure. 
But  thou  hast  strengthened  infinitely,  all  these  claims 
on  liis  service,  by  the  offer  of  salvation  to  a  perish- 
ing world.  Without  this,  there  had  been  no  hope  of 
escape  from  the  fruits  of  disobedience,  which  had 
treasured  up  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath.    Bless- 


161 

ed  be  thy  mercy,  that  with  this  precious  gift,  tliou 
hast  not  only  infinitely  increased  our  obligations, 
but  thou  hast  actually  redeemed  unto  thyself,  a  pe- 
culiar people,  who  are  zealous  of  good  works. 
Though  thy  righteous  claims  of  creation,  preserva- 
tion, and  benefaction,  have  been  disregarded,  thou 
hast  overcome  the  rebellion  of  many  of  thy  creatures, 
by  the  controlling  influence  of  a  Saviour's  love  ;  so 
that  they  no  longer  live  unto  themselves,  but  unto 
him  who  died  for  them. 

Lord,  enable  me  to  present  myself  to  thee,  a  living 
sacrifice,  holy  and  acceptable,  which  is  my  most 
reasonable  service.  Aid  me  to  do  thy  will  in  the 
things  which  thou  hast  commanded,  and  in  those 
which  thou  hast  forbidden.  May  I  fulfil  thy  com- 
mandment out  of  a  pure  heart,  and  of  a  good  con- 
science, and  of  faith  unfeigned.  Teach  me  that 
whoso  keepeth  thy  word,  in  him  verily  is  the  love  of 
God  perfected.  O  let  me  not  confer  with  flesh  and 
blood,  in  reference  to  the  claims  of  duty.  Give  me 
courage  to  hold  forth  the  word  of  life  in  evil  report 
and  in  good  report.  O  let  my  obedience  have  that 
symmetry  and  that  fulness  which  are  found  in  adding 
to  faith  virtue,  knowledge,  temperance,  patience,  god- 
liness, brotherly-kindness,  and  charity.  Give  me  pa- 
tient continuance  in  well-doing ;  and  cheer  me  by  the 
hope,  that  in  due  season,  if  I  taint  not,  I  shall  reap 
eternal  blessedness. 

Blessed  Sovereign,  may  thy  chosen  generation 
adorn  the  doctrine  of  God,  their  Saviour,  in  all 
things.  Enable  them  by  a  holy  walk,  to  be  the 
light  of  the  world,  and  to  put  to  silence  the  ignorance 
of  foolish  men.  Make  their  consciences  void  of  of- 
fence toward  God  and  man.  May  they  find  that 
thy  yoke  is  easy  and  thy  burden  light.  Make  them 
14* 


162 

fruitful  of  every  good  work ;  for  thou  hast  ordained 
them,  that  they  should  go  and  bring  forth  fruit ;  and 
herein  is  our  Father  glorified,  that  they  should  bear 
much  fruit.  Grant  that  they  may  walk  worthy  of 
thee,  in  holiness  and  righteousness  before  thee,  all 
the  days  of  their  lives.  Make  them  willing,  if  needs 
be,  to  lose  life  for  thy  sake  and  the  gospel's  ;  for 
then  they  shall  find  it  in  life  everlasting ;  and  the 
praise  of  their  service,  sanctified  by  Christ's  merits, 
and  accepted  through  his  pleadings,  shall  be  thine 
for  ever. 

OMNIPOTENCE. 

Lord,  thou  art  God  Almighty.  The  thunder  of 
thy  power,  who  can  understand?  Thou  hast  made, 
and  controlled,  and  sustained  the  mighty  fabric  of 
nature,  by  the  strength  of  thy  word.  The  firma- 
ment, with  all  its  shining  garniture  of  countless 
worlds,  showeth  thy  handy-work  ;  the  earth,  with  all 
its  furniture  of  hills  and  valleys,  rivers  and  seas, 
proclaims  thy  greatness :  and  in  thee  all  creatures 
live,  and  move,  and  have  their  being. 

O  Lord,  give  me  a  realizing  sense  of  the  greatness 
of  thy  power.  Show  it  to  me  in  the  rich  and  varied 
works  of  nature  ;  and  unfold  it  to  me  in  that  crea- 
tion in  the  soul  of  man,  in  which  old  things  are 
passed  away,  and  all  things  are  become  new.  I 
would  adore  thee  for  the  strength  of  thy  grace, 
which  breaks  the  stony  heart,  and  bends  the  stub- 
born will,  and  quickens  those  that  were  dead  in  tres- 
passes and  sins,  into  newness  of  life.  Thy  gospel 
is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation,  to  every  one  that 
believeth.  O  God,  I  would  bless  thee  that  thou  hast 
pledged  thy  might  for  the  increase  of  thy  kingdom 
in  the  world,  and  hast  promised  that  the  gates  of  hell 


163 


shall  not  prevail  against  it.  O  help  me  to  cry, 
"  Alleluia  ;  for  the  Lord  God  Omnipotent  reign- 
eth !" 

Most  High  and  Mighty,  incline  me  to  fear  thee 
who  art  able  to  destroy  both  body  and  soul  in  hell 
for  ever.  Induce  me  to  put  my  trust  in  thee  ;  for  if 
thou  art  with  me,  who  can  be  against  me  1  May  I 
experience  in  my  heart  that  working  whereby  thou 
art  able  to  subdue  all  things  unto  thyself  Grant 
me  the  succour  of  him  who  is  mighty  to  save  unto 
the  uttermost,  those  who  come  unto  thee  by  him. 
Keep  me  by  thy  power,  through  faith,  unto  salva- 
tion, ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  last  time. 

OMNIPRESENCE. 

O  God,  whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  Spirit ;  or 
where  shall  I  flee  from  thy  presence  ?  If  I  ascend 
lip  into  heaven,  thou  art  there  :  if  I  make  my  bed 
in  hell,  thou  art  there  :  if  I  take  the  wings  of  the 
morning,  and  dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sea, 
even  there  shall  thy  hand  lead  me,  and  thy  right 
hand  shall  hold  me  !  Thou  fillest  and  exceedest  the 
vast  amplitude  of  the  universe. 

Lord,  help  me  to  understand  the  purposes  of  thy 
universal  presence.  Thou  art  bestowing  the  bless- 
ings of  thy  providence,  and  exerting  the  righteous- 
ness of  thy  government,  over  all  thy  creatures. 
Thou  art  comforting,  protecting,  and  sanctifying  the 
hearts  of  thy  saints,  and  bestowing  mingled  mercy 
and  justice  on  the  earthly  probation  of  the  wicked. 
Thou  art  pervading  heaven  with  the  bliss  of  eternal 
life,  and  filling  hell  with  the  anguish  of  everlasting 
death. 

O  Lord,  assist  me  to  profit  by  the  truth,  that  thou 
art  every  where  present,  at  all  times.    Teach  me  by 


164 


it,  that  in  the  infinite  contrast  with  thee,  I  am  but  a 
grain  of  dust,  a  point,  an  atom,  or  as  nothing !  O 
that  it  might  lead  me  to  be  vigilant  in  doing  thy  will, 
and  in  trusting  to  thy  protecting  providence,  and  re- 
deeming goodness.  Lord,  grant  me  here,  I  beseech 
thee,  a  foretaste  of  that  fulness  of  joy,  which  is  in 
thy  heavenly  presence  for  evermore. 

OMNISCIENCE. 

Great  Fountain  of  Knowledge,  thine  understand- 
ing is  infinite.  Thou  knowest  all  things ;  even  the 
end  from  the  beginning.  There  is  no  creature  that 
is  not  manifest  in  thy  sight.  Thou  rememberest 
every  thing  that  has  occurred  in  the  history  of  the 
wide  universe  :  thou  knowest  all  the  open  and  secret 
workings  of  matter  and  mind,  throughout  thine  un- 
measured dominion  :  even  a  sparrow  cannot  fall  to 
the  ground  without  thy  notice,  and  the  very  hairs  of 
our  heads  are  all  numbered  :  and  there  is  nothing  in 
the  countless  revolutions  of  eternity,  that  is  not  as 
visible  to  thine  eye  as  the  light  of  day  ! 

Lord,  thou  knowest  my  down-sitting  and  mine  up- 
rising ;  thou  art  acquainted  with  all  my  ways ;  and 
thou  understandest  even  my  thoughts  afar  off.  If  I 
say,  "Surely  the  darkness  shall  cover  me" — even  the 
nio;ht  shall  be  light  about  me.  O  grant  me  the  so- 
lemn  influences  of  the  truth,  that  thou  knowest  the 
hearts  of  all  men  :  thou  hast  indeed  searched  and 
known  me.  May  it  lead  me  to  worshi])  thee  in 
spirit  and  in  truth ;  for  thou  art  not  deceived,  and 
canst  not  be  mocked.  May  it  restrain  me  from  sin  ; 
because  there  is  no  darkness  nor  shadow  of  death 
where  the  workers  of  iniquity  may  hide  themselves. 
And,  0,  may  it  be  a  source  of  comfort  and  blessing 


165 

to  me ;  for  thou  knowest  all  my  wants,  and  canst 
supply  them  out  of  thine  abiindant  fulness. 

ORPHANAGE. 

Lord,  thou  art  the  Helper  of  the  fatherless.  Look, 
I  pray  thee,  in  thy  tenderest  compassion,  on  those 
from  whom  thou  hast  taken  away  the  natural  guides 
and  comforts  of  their  life.  Heal  the  wounded  hearts 
of  those  who  are  bleeding  under  these  keen  bereave- 
ments. Assure  them  that  when  their  father  and 
mother  forsake  them,  then,  if  they  put  their  trust  in 
thee,  the  Lord  will  take  them  up. 

O  God,  open  fountains  of  compassion  in  the  hearts 
of  mankind,  towards  orphans.  Raise  up  for  them 
friends,  who  shall  take  the  places,  and  discharge  the 
offices  of  those  whom  thou  hast,  in  thy  wise  pur- 
poses, taken  from  them.  Make  it  the  business  of 
christian  love,  to  sooth  their  sorrows,  to  minister  to 
their  wants,  and  to  guide  their  steps  amid  the  wan- 
derings of  earth.  Protect  them  from  the  dangers 
which  accompany  their  exposed  condition.  Screen 
them  from  the  oppression  with  which  the  selfish  so 
often  scourge  the  destitute.  Guard  them  from  the 
temptations  which  gather  in  fearful  number  and 
strength  around  the  defenceless.  Save  them  from 
those  indulgences  in  sin,  into  which  the  unrestrained 
are  so  prone  to  fall.  Gracious  Lord,  smooth  for 
them  the  pathways  of  life.  Even  as  a  tender  shep- 
herd carries  the  lambs  of  his  flock  in  his  bosom,  so  do 
thou  shelter  them  in  the  covert  of  thy  wings. — 
Above  every  other  blessing,  grant  them  that  of  re- 
garding thee  as  their  reconciled  God  and  Father,  in 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Though  thou  hast  hid  the 
desire  of  their  eyes,  and  the  hope  of  their  hearts,  in 
the  silence  of  the  grave,  yet  thou  wilt  be  unto  them, 


166 

if  they  confide  in  thee,  a  present  help  and  an  eternal 
portion.  Lead  them  to  look  up  unto  thee,  in  their 
destitution,  as  their  Heavenly  Father;  and  to  feel 
that  the  most  cherished  pleasures  of  earthly  paren- 
tage, fall  infinitely  below  the  privileges  of  being  in 
the  adoption  of  the  sons  of  God. 

OSTENTATION. 

O  thou  that  dwellest  in  the  contrite  heart,  preserve 
me,  for  the  Redeemer's  sake,  from  the  folly  and  sin 
of  ostentation,  both  in  the  common  duties  of  life  and 
in  my  religious  actions.  Teach  me  that  I  have 
nothing  that  I  have  not  received ;  and  that  thou  hast 
commanded  that  nothing  be  done  through  strife  or 
vainglory.  Lord,  let  me  not  do  my  works  before 
men,  to  be  seen  of  them.  Grant  that  whenever  I 
desire  to  catch  the  applause  of  man,  or  seek  to  be 
thought  of  others  what  I  am  not,  I  may  reflect  that 
all  I  am  and  all  I  do,  are  naked  and  open  to  thine 
eyes.  It  is  with  thee,  and  not  with  my  fellow-crea- 
tures, I  have  to  do  :  for  thou  art  the  only  true  and 
final  umpire  of  conduct  and  character.  Heavenly 
Father,  do  thou  so  raise  me  above  the  fear  and  love  of 
man,  that  I  may  be  in  all  things,  and  at  all  times,  a 
servant  of  Christ,  doing  the  will  of  God  from  the 
heart,  as  unto  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  men. 

PARDON. 

Great  God,  I  have  sinned  against  thee,  times  and 
ways  beyond  number.  If  thou  shouldst  lay  righte- 
ousness to  the  line,  and  judgment  to  the  plummet,  I 
should  be  driven  from  thy  presence.  Yea,  if  thou 
shouldst  deal  with  me  for  one  of  a  thousand  of  my 
transgressions,  I  could  not  appear  before  thee.  Yet 
I  praise  thee  that  there  is  forgiveness  with  thee,  and 


167 

that  thou  blottest  out  the  transgressions  of  thy  peo- 
ple. O  give  me  the  blessedness  of  him  to  whom  thou 
imputest  no  iniquity  ;  whose  sins,  though  they  be  as 
scarlet,  shall  be  as  white  as  snow ;  and  though  they 
be  red  like  crimson,  shall  be  as  wool. 

Lord,  teach  me  the  nature  and  condition  of  that 
pardon  which  thou  art  willing  and  ready  to  bestow 
on  thy  sinful  creatures.  O,  it  is  sufficient  to  stay  the 
wrath  of  thy  condemnation,  and  to  take  away  for 
ever,  the  sentence  which  was  written  against  us.  Yet 
it  is  not  procured  by  our  own  works  of  righteous- 
ness ;  but  we  have  this  redemption  through  the  blood 
of  Christ,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  the 
riches  of  his  grace.  Grant  me,  I  beseech  thee,  such 
a  conviction  of  sin,  and  such  a  reliance  on  the  atone- 
ment of  Jesus,  as  will  make  it  consistent  with  thy 
love  of  justice,  and  with  the  security  of  thy  moral 
government,  to  remember  my  transgressions  no 
more  against  me.  Keep  me  from  every  effort  to 
bring  thee  a  price  in  my  hand  for  this  precious 
boon.  O  may  I  seek  it  as  the  gift  of  thy  mercy, 
purchased  By  the  death  of  thy  Son,  and  made  effec- 
tual by  the  application  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Merciful  God,  grant  me  the  fruits  of  thy  forgiving 
love,  in  peace  of  conscience,  a  sense  of  thy  favour, 
a  tender  penitence  for  sin,  a  feeling  of  deep  and 
lasting  gratitude,  and  a  holy,  humble,  and  confiding 
access  to  thy  throne  of  grace. 

Lord,  lead  multitudes  of  the  impenitent  to  seek 
thy  forgiving  mercy.  May  they  learn  the  infinite 
value  of  that  sacrifice  by  which  it  was  procured,  and 
the  tender  solicitude  and  strivings  of  thy  Spirit,  that 
they  should  embrace  it.  Show  them  from  what 
guilt  and  punishment  it  redeems,  and  to  what  purity 
and  happiness  it  leads.     Enter  not  now  into  judg- 


168 

ment  with  them,  for  in  thy  sight  shall  no  man  living 
be  justified.  O  do  thou  excite  many  to  call  on  thee 
whilst  thou  art  waiting  to  be  gracious  ;  and  do  thou 
make  peace  with  them  through  the  blood  of  the 
cross,  and  present  them  holy  and  unblamable  in  thy 
sight.  Blot  out  their  iniquities  from  the  book  of  thy 
remembrance,  and  write  their  names  in  the  Lamb's 
book  of  life. 

PARENTS. 

Heavenly  Father,  enable  those  to  whom  thou  hast 
committed  the  important  duties  of  parents,  to  dis- 
charge them  according  to  thy  will.  Thou  hast  been 
pleased,  in  thy  wisdom,  to  assign  to  their  moulding 
influence  the  character  and  destiny  of  their  children, 
for  time  and  eternity.  O  may  they  have  strong  im- 
pressions of  the  many  and  weighty  responsibilities 
which  rest  upon  them.  Grant  that  an  intelligent 
spirit  of  love  may  govern  all  their  conduct  to  their 
offspring.  May  they  seek  to  fill  their  minds  with 
useful  knowledge,  and  to  bring  them  up  for  useful 
employments.  May  they  strive  to  cultivate  in  them 
habits  of  industry,  frugality,  prudence,  and  generosi- 
ty. Make  them  careful  to  preserve  them  from  un- 
due or  rapacious  desires  after  wealth,  honour,  or 
pleasure.  Especially  may  they  labour  to  bring 
them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 
O  let  thy  words  be  in  their  hearts,  that  they  may 
teach  them  diligently  to  their  children,  and  instruct 
them  thoroughly  in  the  ways  of  peace — warning  and 
convincing  them  against  that  which  is  evil,  and  per- 
suading them  to  that  which  is  good.  Give  parents 
the  influence  of  discreet  and  persevering  discipline. 
Make  their  example  such  as  shall  be  right  in  thy 
sight,  and  adapted  to  win  the  confidence,  love,  and 


169 


obedience  of  their  children.  Induce  them  to  watch 
with  carefulness  and  solicitude,  over  the  whole  moral 
and  religious  character  of  those  whom  thou  hast  com- 
mitted to  their  training.  And  O,  may  they  seal  all 
their  anxieties  and  labours  by  fervent  prayer,  with 
and  for  their  offspring,  that  thou  wouldst  help  to 
train  them  up  in  the  way  they  should  go,  and  pre- 
serve them  in  it  unto  eternal  life.  Our  Father  in 
Heaven,  make  the  parental  relation  an  honoured 
instrumentality  for  bringing  back  our  race  from  the 
slavery  of  sin  and  Satan,  to  the  liberty  of  holiness 
and  the  sons  of  God. 

PASSIONS. 

Lord,  preserve  me  from  the  dominion  of  my  pas- 
sions. Thou  hast  given  me,  in  thy  wisdom  and 
goodness,  the  affections  of  human  nature  ;  but  thou 
hast  put  them  under  laws  of  usefulness  and  of  sub- 
jection to  thy  will.  Lead  me,  I  pray  thee,  to  consult 
diligently  those  laws ;  and  help  me  to  bring  my  feel- 
ings into  subjection  to  them.  O  let  not  the  things 
that  are  sensual  and  carnal,  attract  and  absorb  my 
desires.  Teach  rae  to  abstain  from  fleshly  lusts  that 
destroy  the  body,  that  war  against  the  soul,  and 
which  bring  down  the  displeasure  of  God.  Lord, 
keep  me  from  the  undue  and  unholy  exercise  of  my 
mental  passions.  Enable  me  to  control  and  direct 
them,  that  they  may  be  the  servants  of  grace,  and 
not  the  instruments  of  unrighteousness. 

PATIENCE. 

Lord,  I  would  draw  nigh,  in  the  prevailing  name 

of  Jesus,  to  ask  thee  to  cause  patience  to  have  its 

perfect  work  in  my  heart,  in  all  the  various  trials  of 

life.    Mav  it  possess  my  soul,  and  suffer  no  intrusion 

15 


170 

there  of  fretful  complaint,  nor  anxious  fear.  In  sick- 
ness, in  bereavement,  in  crosses,  in  provocations,  in 
persecutions,  in  every  thing  that  clashes  with  my  de 
sires,  grant,  T  beseech  thee,  that  I  may  secure  and 
preserve  serenity  of  mind.  What  is  man,  that  he 
should  complain  ?  Lo  !  thou  Jehovah  art  long-suf- 
fering even  towards  the  contradiction  and  rebellion  of 
sinners.  May  I  remember  that  there  is  One  who 
was  tempted  in  all  points  as  I  am  ;  and  yet  never 
incurred  the  sin  of  a  vexed  spirit — who  when  he  was 
reviled,  reviled  not  again ;  who  when  he  suffered, 
threatened  not,  but  committed  himself  to  him  that 
judgeth  righteously.  Teach  me  that  this  grace  will 
protect  me  from  much  that  is  evil,  and  strengthen 
me  in  all  that  is  good  ;  and  that  it  will  secure  thy 
favour — for  thou  hast  said  that  when  we  do  well, 
and  suffer  for  it,  yet  lake  it  patiently,  this  is  accep- 
table with  God.  Enable  me  to  run  with  patience, 
the  race  that  is  set  before  me.  Put  my  heart  at  rest  in 
thee ;  for  he  who  hatli  delivered,  will  yet  deliver. 
May  the  thought  that  the  Lord  will  provide,  quell 
every  restless  and  fearful  emotion.  O  God,  make  me 
a  steadfast  follower  of  them  that  through  faith  and 
patience,  inherit  the  promises. 

PEACE. 

Heavenly  Father,  grant  me  peace  of  conscience 
toward  thee,  through  the  atoning  blood  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  Give  me,  I  pray  thee,  that  holy 
serenity  of  mind,  which  the  world  can  neither  give 
nor  take  away,  and  which  results  from  receiving  thy 
love,  and  from  knowing  and  doing  thy  will  continu- 
ally.— Enable  me  to  live  peaceably  with  all  men — 
respecting  with  justice  their  rights,  and  not  seeking 
with  pertinacity  my  own — giving  place  to  wrath,  and 


171 

refraining  from  an  evil  tongue,  and  every  thing  that 
stirs  up  strife. — Lord,  give  thy  churches  rest  from 
unholy  divisions  within,  and  from  wicked  assaults 
without.  May  the  household  of  faith  dwell  together 
in  unity ;  and  then  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail 
against  it. — O  God,  promote  and  establish  peace  be- 
tween man  and  man,  and  between  nation  and  nation, 
throughout  the  world.  Supplant  by  the  influence 
of  the  gospel,  that  selfishness  which  is  the  fruitful 
source  of  every  form  of  contention  ;  and  in  its  place, 
implant  that  holy  love  which  worketh  no  ill  to  its 
neighbour,  and  which  leadeth  man  to  regard  every 
human  being  as  a  neighbour  and  a  brother.  Then 
shall  individuals  cease  from  strife — nations  shall 
learn  war  no  more — and  Jesus,  the  Prince  of  Peace, 
shall  reign  over  a  dominion  where  there  shall  be 
none  to  hurt  nor  destroy — where  heart  shall  beat  in 
harmony  with  heart — where  eye  shall  speak  peace 
to  eye — and  where  hand  shall  be  to  hand  the  ex- 
change of  good-will  to  man. 

PEESECUTION. 

Shepherd  of  Israel,  I  would  praise  thy  name  for 
that  comparative  exemption  from  persecution  which 
we  enjoy  in  this  highly  favoured  land.  Yet  perhaps 
we  owe  our  peaceful  security  to  our  conformity  with 
the  world.  It  becomes  us  to  inquire,  whether  the 
world  arrays  itself  not  against  us,  because  we  have 
not  fcarlessl)'-  borne  our  testimony  against  it,  that  its 
deeds  are  evil  ;  or  because  we  have  not  rebuked  its 
practices  by  a  high  standard  of  holy  living. — Lord, 
let  me  not  desire  exemption  from  the  enmity  of  the 
wicked,  at  the  expense  of  duty.  Make  me  willing 
to  suffer  persecution  for  righteousness'  sake:  yea, 
thou  hast  said  that  they  shall  suffer  it  who  live  godly 


172 

in  Christ  Jesus.  If  our  Blessed  Lord  was  reviled, 
scourged,  and  persecuted,  and  his  noble  cloud  of  wit- 
nesses, of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy,  had  trial 
of  cruel  mockings,  and  bonds,  and  death,  why  should 
we  hope  to  escape  ?  Lord,  enable  me  so  to  act,  that 
whether  men  may  devise  evil  or  good  concerning 
me,  my  conscience  shall  be  free  from  guilt  towards 
thee  and  all  mankind. 

O  thou  who  art  a  very  present  help  in  trouble, 
remember  those  who  fall  into  persecution.  Overrule 
the  trial  of  their  faith  and  patience,  for  their  good 
and  thy  glory.  Abate  its  severity,  or  open  a  door 
of  deliverance  from  it,  or  enable  them  to  bear  it  as 
good  soldiers  of  Christ.  While  they  suffer  accord- 
jng  to  thy  will,  may  they  commit  the  keeping  of 
their  souls  to  thee,  in  well-doing,  as  unto  a  faithful 
Creator.  Let  them  not  wonder  nor  complain,  as 
though  some  strange  thing  had  happened  unto  them  ; 
but  rejoice  inasmuch  as  they  are  partakers  of 
Christ's  sufferings;  that  when  his  glory  shall  be 
revealed,  they  may  be  glad  also  with  exceeding  joy. 

PERSEVERANCE. 

God  of  Salvation,  let  me  not  be  of  those  that 
draw  back  unto  perdition,  but  of  ihem  that  believe 
unto  the  saving  of  the  soul.  Make  me  steadfast  in 
the  pursuit  of  knowledge,  and  performance  of  duty. 
Teach  me  that  the  race  is  not  to  the  swift,  but  to 
them  who  cast  aside  every  weight,  and  the  sin  that 
doth  so  easily  beset  them,  and  who  look  to  Jesus,  as 
the  Author  and  Finisher  of  faith.  Blessed  be  God,  the 
way  I  am  called  to  run  in,  is  not  an  unbeaten  path ; 
for  thy  peoj)le  on  earth  arc  now  walking  in  it  as  the 
highway  to  heaven  ;  the  saints  in  glory  have  follow- 
ed it  unto  life  eternal ;  yea,  even  the  High  Priest  of 


173 


our  profession,  Christ  the  Righteous,  hath  made  it 
smooth  by  his  glorious  footsteps. 

O  God,  set  clearly  and  strongly  before  my  mind, 
that  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory  which  is 
laid  up  for  those  that  endure  unto  the  end.  May  I 
so  run,  that  I  shall  obtain  it.  Enable  me  to  continue 
in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
law,  to  do  them.  O  teach  me  the  duty  of  perseve- 
rance, by  a  conviction  of  the  uncertainty  of  life. 
Those  servants  only  shall  be  blessed,  whom  when  the 
Lord  Cometh,  he. shall  find  watching. — Give  me,  I 
beseech  thee,  such  views  of  the  foes  that  are  within 
and  around  me,  as  shall  lead  me  to  continual  depen- 
dence on  thy  grace,  and  unremitted  diligence  in  thy 
will.  Imbue  me  with  courage  of  mind  and  strength 
of  heart,  to  overcome  all  ihe  hinderances  which  Sa- 
tan, or  the  world,  or  my  own  passions,  may  cast  in 
my  way. — Heavenly  Father,  let  nothing  be  able  to 
separate  me  from  thy  love  in  Christ  Jesus.  O,  love 
me  with  an  everlasting  love.  May  he  that  is  the 
Ransom  of  sinners,  save  me  unto  the  uttermost. 
May  thy  Holy  Spirit  seal  me  unto  the  day  of  redemp- 
tion, and  be  my  Comforter,  to  abide  with  me  for  ever. 
And  then,  in  that  inheritance  which  is  incorruptible, 
and  that  fadeth  not  away,  I  will  praise  thee  for  the 
power  of  thy  grace,  by  which  I  shall  have  been 
kept,  through  faith,  unto  salvation. 

PIETY. 

God  of  Salvation,  vouchsafe  unto  me  a  spirit  of 
intelligent  and  devoted  piety.  Make  me  a  Christian, 
not  only  in  name  but  in  truth.  May  I  watch  dili- 
gently, lest  while  I  have  the  form  of  godliness,  I  may 
be  destitute  of  its  power. — Lead  me,  I  pray  thee,  into 
the  constant  exercise  of  repentance  towards  God, 
15* 


174 


and  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Fill  my  heart 
with  love  to  thee,  thine  ordinances,  thy  service,  thy 
people,  and  all  mankind.  Give  that  love  such 
strength  and  purity,  that  it  shall  fulfil  thy  law.  Make 
it  abound  more  and  more,  in  knowledge  and  judg- 
ment, until  I  am  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteous- 
ness, unto  the  glory  and  praise  of  God.  Cleanse 
thou  my  heart  from  evil  thoughts,  and  my  life  from 
wicked  ways;  and  enable  me  to  die  unto  sin,  and 
live  unto  righteousness.  Make  me  meek  and  for- 
giving, sincere  and  humble.  Let  consistency,  self- 
denial,  and  gratitude,  pervade  all  my  actions.  Make 
me  earnest  in  prayer,  unwavering  in  faith,  and  joy- 
ful in  hope.  Prepare  me  for  the  quiet  endurance  of 
every  trial,  and  for  the  zealous  performance  of  every 
duty. 

Lord,  make  me  a  follower  of  them  who,  through 
faith  and  patience,  inherit  the  promises.  May  I  so 
act  before  the  world,  that  men  may  take  knowledge 
of  me,  and  be  led  to  glorify  our  Father  in  heaven. 
May  the  same  mind  which  was  in  Christ  be  also  in 
me.  As  I  have  borne  the  image  of  the  earthly,  so 
let  me  bear  the  image  of  the  heavenly ;  and  of  his 
fulness  receive,  and  grace  for  grace.  Blessed  Lord, 
grant  that  by  patient  continuance  in  well-doing,  I 
may  seek  for  glory,  and  honour,  and  immortality, 
where  the  righteous  shall  shine  forth  as  the  sun  in 
the  kingdom  of  their  Father. 

PITY. 

Merciful  Father,  make  my  heart  sensible  to  every 
object  of  pity.  Blessed  Jesus,  thou  hadst  compas- 
sion on  every  subject  of  distress  and  misfortune. 
Thou  didst  mourn  with  them  that  mourned,  and  weep 
with  them  that  wept.     It  was  indeed  the  tenderness 


175 


of  thy  love  which  brought  thee  to  this  world  of  wo, 
that  thou  mightest  bless  and  save  those  who  were 
ready  to  perish.  O  may  the  same  mind  be  in  me 
which  was  in  Christ  Jesus.  Let  no  form  of  selfish- 
ness so  harden  my  heart,  that  I  shall  fail  to  exercise 
compassion  for  the  wants  and  woes  of  thy  creatures. 
Let  me  not  stop  my  ears  to  the  cry  of  the  needy, 
nor  turn  away  my  eyes  from  them  that  are  stricken 
with  misery.  And  let  me  not  pity  only  in  word  and 
in  tongue ;  but  in  deed  and  in  truth :  for  so  shall  I 
know  that  I  am  of  the  truth,  and  assure  my  heart 
before  thee,  whose  compassions  fail  not,  else  1  should 
be  consumed  in  thy  presence. 

Lord,  grant  that  my  deepest  feelings  of  pity,  my 
strongest  yearnings  of  soul,  may  be  over  those  who 
are  living  heedlessly  under  the  wrath  of  God.  Let  it 
be  my  heart's  desire  before  thee,  that  they  may  be 
plucked  as  brands  from  the  burning.  O  magnify 
thy  goodness  in  bringing  them  from  the  rebellion  of 
sin,  into  the  obedience  of  faith. 

POPERY. 

God  of  Truth,  destroy  the  power  of  popery.  Let 
not  the  Man  of  sin,  the  Son  of  perdition,  continue  to 
rule  the  nations  with  his  rod  of  iron.  Lord,  how 
long  shall  men  concede  to  weak  mortals,  like  them- 
selves, the  claims  of  infallibility  and  absolution  ? 
How  long  shall  sinful  men  be  permitted  to  keep  the 
consciences  of  their  fellow-men — to  dispense  vain 
indulgences  for  sin — to  blot  out  the  commandments 
of  God — to  make  thy  law  void  by  vain  traditions — 
to  prohibit  the  bread  of  life — and  to  exalt  the  worship 
of  superstition  over  the  services  of  simplicity  and 
truth?  How  long,  O  Lord,  shall  they  impiously  ar- 
rogate to  change  a  corruptible  thing  into  the  incor- 


176 

ruptible  body  of  Christ ;  and  to  dishonour  the  atone- 
ment of  Jesus,  by  claiming  for  any  that  have  been 
redeemed  by  his  blood,  an  excess  of  obedience  beyond 
the  requirements  of  thy  law?  O  redeem  the  victims 
of  these  delusions.  IMay  ihey  learn  that  thou  only 
art  the  object  of  worship  ;  that  thou  only  canst  for- 
give sin  ;  and  that  the  scriptures  of  truth  are  the  only 
and  all-sufficient  rule  which  thou  hast  given  us,  to 
know  how  we  may  glorify  and  enjoy  thee  for  ever. 
Lord,  cause  thy  word,  tliy  Spirit,  thy  providence, 
and  thy  people,  to  concur  mightily  in  overthrovving 
this  great  bulwark  of  Satan.  May  the  spirit  of  love 
govern  all  thy  saints  in  their  efforts  to  recover  the 
world  from  papal  power.  Transform  all  its  temples 
into  sanctuaries  of  righteousness ;  and  into  every 
heart  that  has  been  a  shrine  of  its  corruptions,  put 
thou  an  altar  consecrated  to  the  pure  service  of  the 
living  God. 

POVERTY. 

Merciful  Father,  if  it  be  thy  will,  preserve  me 
from  poverty.  Let  not  my  mind  be  liarassed  by 
fears  as  to  what  I,  or  those  who  may  be  dependent 
on  me,  shall  eat  or  drink,  or  wherewithal  we  shall 
be  clothed.  Bestow  on  me  a  moderate  compe- 
tence of  the  means  of  support,  and  grant  me  thy 
favour  in  the  enjoyment  of  it.  Make  me  grate- 
ful to  thee  for  thy  past  and  present  bounties.  But, 
O  Lord,  if  it  be  thy  pleasure  to  strip  me  of  my 
worldly  comforts,  and  to  bring  me  into  deep  and  dis- 
tressing need,  let  me  not  rebel  against  thee,  nor 
complain  of  thy  righteous  providence.  May  I  find 
more  joy  in  trusting  to  ihce  in  the  midst  of  adversity, 
than  in  all  the  pleasures  which  unsanctified  wealth 
could  bestow.    Even  though  darkness  should  gather 


177 

with  forbidding  gloom  over  all  my  expectations  of 
worldly  comfort,  throughout  the  remainder  of  my 
life,  let  the  consolations  of  thy  Spirit  be  more  than 
enough  to  satisfy  my  soul.  Make  me  rich  in  the 
hope  of  a  better  and  a  heavenly  substance,  which 
corrupts  not  in  the  enjoyment,  perishes  not  in  the 
using,  but  endures  for  ever. 

Lord,  pity  the  poor.  Soothe  and  relieve  their 
wants.  Protect  them  from  oppression,  and  deliver 
them  from  him  that  spoileth  them.  Save  them  from 
the  vices  which  so  often  accompany  their  lot.  Raise 
up  friends  who  shall  feel  for  their  wants,  and  sup- 
ply their  necessities. — Lord,  let  it  be  a  prominent 
duty  with  christians,  to  minister  to  those  that  are  in 
need.  May  they  remember  that  their  Lord  and 
Master  had  not  where  to  lay  his  head,  and  that  these 
stricken  ones  are  his  representatives  on  the  earth. 
Show  them  that  he  who  hath  pity  on  the  poor, 
lendeth  to  the  Lord,  who  will  pay  him  again  :  while 
he  that  oppresseth  them  reproacheth  his  Maker,  and 
he  that  stoppeth  his  ears  at  their  cry,  shall  also  cry 
himself,  and  shall  not  be  heard.  Enable  them  to  devise 
such  employments  for  the  needy  as  shall  at  once 
confer  on  them  the  blessings  of  industry  and  self- 
support.  May  those  who  have  no  silver  nor  gold  to 
give,  bestow  their  sympathies  and  counsels,  which 
are  often  worth  more  than  money. — And  above  all, 
may  they  seek,  through  thy  Spirit,  to  confer  on  them 
that  godliness  which  is  profitable  unto  all  things. 

Lord,  bless  those  public  charities  which  are  de- 
signed to  relieve  the  distresses  of  the  destitute.  Give 
minds  of  discretion,  and  hearts  of  pity,  to  those  who 
control  them.  As  these  works  of  mercy  are  the 
fruits  of  the  gospel,  so  may  they  be  conducted  m  its 
spirit,  and  result  in  its  choicest  blessings.     Though 


178 

thou  hast  said  that  the  poor  shall  never  cease  out  of 
the  land,  yet  do  tliou  abate  the  sorrows  and  remove 
the  evils  of  their  condition,  and  make  multitudes  of 
them  rich  in  faith  toward  God,  and  in  the  hope  of 
salvation. 

PRAISE. 

O  thou  Most  High,  I  would  praise  thee  for  thine 
excellent  greatness.  The  heaven  of  heavens  cannot 
contain  thee.  From  everlasting  to  everlasting  thou 
art  God.  With  thee  there  is  no  variableness,  neither 
shadow  of  turning.  Thou  art  infinitely  more  exalted 
above  us,  than  we  are  above  the  smallest  insect  of 
creation.  Lord,  thou  knowest  all  things :  thou  art 
the  only  wise  God,  wonderful  in  counsel,  and  infi- 
nite in  knowledge.  Thou  art  able  to  do,  exceeding 
abundantly,  above  all  that  we  can  think.  Thou  art 
of  purer  eyes,  than  to  behold  evil.  Justice  and 
judgment  are  the  habitation  of  thy  throne.  The 
works  of  nature,  the  movements  of  providence,  and 
the  plan  of  redemption  are  full  of  thy  goodness. 
Thy  counsels  of  old  are  faithfulness  and  truth.  Lo, 
all  thy  ways  are  perfect ! 

Lord,  grant  me  such  adoring  views  of  thy  cha- 
racter, as  shall  be  delightful  foretastes  of  that  praise 
which  is  the  incense  of  thy  worship  in  heaven.  May 
I  rejoice  that  the  government  of  the  world  and  of  the 
universe  is  in  the  hands  of  a  perfect  being,  who  will 
do  all  things  well.  Make  me  esteem  thy  favour  as 
the  highest  honour  and  the  most  glorious  privilege 
which  men  or  angels  can  enjoy.  O  may  I  often  set 
my  feeble  and  corrupt  powers  in  contrast  with  thine 
infinite  and  spotless  perfections,  that  I  may  thus  at 
once  take  my  place  in  the  dust  before  thee,  and 


179 

magnify  thy  great  and   glorious  name. — [<See  the 
various  Att?'ibutes.^ 

PRAYER. 

Heavenly  Father,  teach  me  to  pray,  and  quicken 
me  b}'  thy  Spirit,  that  I  may  worship  thee  in  spirit 
and  in  truth.  Give  me  clear  and  abiding  views  of  the 
nature  of  this  solemn  act  of  worship.  Grant  me  a 
proper  estimate  of  thy  character,  as  infinitely  able 
and  willing  to  bless  all  who  would  approach  the  throne 
of  grace  according  to  thy  will.  Enable  me  to  make  thy 
glory  the  ruling  object  of  my  desires  ;  and  to  present 
them  only  in  the  name  of  the  heavenly  Mediator, 
whom  thou  always  hearest,  for  in  him  thou  art  ever 
well-pleased.  May  every  supplication  be  offered  in  the 
wish  and  hope  that  Jesus  will  present  it,  with  his  pre- 
vailing intercession,  at  the  throne  of  grace.  Lord, 
make  me  feel  my  entire  and  continual  dependence 
on  thee  for  all  the  blessings  I  possess,  or  hope  to  en- 
joy. O  do  thou  give  me  such  a  craving  sense  of 
want,  such  a  conviction  that  there  is  no  other  source 
of  relief,  and  such  confidence  in  thy  promises,  that 
supplication  shall  be  the  language  of  my  tongue,  the 
thought  of  my  heart,  and  the  food  of  my  soul. 

Great  God,  thou  art,  indeed,  not  worshipped  as 
though  thou  needest  any  thing ;  for  thou  givest  to  all 
life,  and  breath,  and  all  things.  It  is  in  mercy  to  us 
that  thou  art  willing  to  hear  and  answer  the  prayer 
of  penitence  and  faith.  Thou  hast  moreover  com- 
manded it,  as  our  imperative  duty — thus  making 
our  privilege  and  our  obligation  one  and  inseparable. 

Infinite  Fountain  of  Blessins;,  2;rant  me  the  influ- 
ences  of  thy  Spirit,  to  show  me  what  I  should  pray 
for,  and  the  way  in  which  I  should  draw  nigh  to  the 
mercy -seat. — Teach  me,  I  pray  thee,  the  various 
and  numerous  wants  of  my  dependent  nature,  until 


180 

my  thoughts  shall  grow  familiar  with  them  in  all 
their  number,  and  my  heart  shall  be  absorbed  by 
convictions  of  their  importance.  Lord,  dispose  me 
to  submit  every  object  of  hope  and  every  pursuit  of 
desire,  by  prayer,  to  the  control  of  thy  will :  and  do 
thou  turn  me  away  from  continuing  or  completing 
any  thing  which  has  not  the  sanction  of  thy  favour, 
and  upon  which  I  cannot  invoke  thy  blessing.  O 
Lord,  suffer  me  not  to  confine  my  supplications  to 
my  own  wants ;  but  do  thou  give  me  a  spirit  of 
prayer  in  behalf  of  others.  Make  me  feelingly 
alive  to  all  the  interests  of  thy  church,  and  abundant 
in  intercession  for  her  knowledge,  purity,  and  in- 
crease. O  burden  my  heart  with  anxious  solicitude 
for  the  impenitent;  and  lead  my  feelings  out  in 
earnest  and  importunate  pleadings  for  their  salva- 
tion.— Lord,  suffer  me  not  to  approach  thee,  on  any 
subject,  with  thoughtlessness  or  insincerity.  Re- 
strain me  from  a  wandering  and  corrupted  mind. 
May  every  petition  be  the  expression  of  true  and 
anxious  feeling. 

Father  of  Mercy,  assist  me  to  bring  my  desires 
into  conformity  to  thy  will.  Let  me  not  ask  thee 
for  any  thing  inconsistent  with  thy  holy  and  sove- 
reign pleasure. — Help  me  to  come  in  the  humble 
boldness  of  faith  to  thy  throne,  that  I  may  obtain 
mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need.  Thou 
art  indeed  more  ready  to  hear  than  I  am  to  pray  ; 
and  more  willing  to  give  than  I  am  to  ask.  Enable 
me,  I  pray  thee,  to  come  to  thee  in  the  confidence 
with  which  I  would  approach  an  earthly  parent :  for 
if  such  an  one  knows  how  to  give  good  gifts  to  his 
children,  much  more  will  our  Heavenly  Father  give 
his  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him.  Lord,  help 
thou  mine  unbelief,  and  enable  me  to  believe  that 


181 


thou  art  the  rewarder  of  them  that  diHgently  seek 
thee. — Teach  me  that  if  I  regard  iniquity  in  my 
heart,  thou  wilt  not  hear  me.  Do  thou  therefore 
cleanse  my  heart,  that  my  desires  may  go  forth  un- 
spotted by  sin,  and  find  acceptance  in  thy  sight. 
Lord,  lead  me  to  the  thankful  acknowledgment  of  past 
mercies ;  and  dispose  me  to  hope  from  them  for  the 
bestowment  of  future  good. — Bring  me  to  thee,  O 
Searcher  of  hearts,  with  humble  confession  of  sins  ; 
for  it  becomes  me  to  say,  that  instead  of  having  any 
claim  to  thine  audience  and  favour,  I  have  only  de- 
served thy  displeasure. 

Heavenly  Father,  dispose  me  to  fulfil  every  suita- 
ble occasion  of  devotional  duty.  May  I  love  the 
public  and  social  supplications  of  thy  saints.  Let 
me  not  withhold  the  incense  from  the  family  al- 
tar. May  I  delight  to  hold  converse  with  thee, 
where  there  is  no  other  eye  to  watch,  and  no  other 
ear  to  hear,  and  where  I  shall  feel  that  I  am  alone 
with  God.  And  give  me.  Blessed  Master,  that  spirit 
of  ejaciilatory  prayer  which  will  purify  every  current 
of  my  thoughts,  and  sanctify  every  business  of  my 
life. — O  Lord,  enable  me,  in  all  the  vicissitudes  of  life, 
to  watch  unto  prayer,  and  to  find  that  it  is  good  for 
me  to  draw  nigh  to  God.  And  may  my  soul  ascribe, 
in  sincerity  and  love,  the  praise  of  all  the  mercies  I 
derive  from  thee,  to  thy  matchless  grace  in  the  Re- 
deemer, both  now  and  for  ever.     Amen. 

PETDE. 

O  thou  who  hast  said  that  no  flesh  shall  glory  in 
thy  presence,  redeem  and  preserve  me  from  the 
spirit  of  pride.  Show  me  its  folly  and  sinfulness  ; 
and  incline  me  to  watch  closely  against  its  corrupt- 
ing influence  over  my  soul.  Lord,  why  should  a 
16 


182 


Worm  of  the  dust,  a  being  of  weakness,  want,  and 
dependence,  exalt  itself  in  the  vanity  of  self-suffi- 
ciency, and  ask  the  tribute  of  praise  or  homage  from 
its  fellow-creatures?  O,  thou  hatest  pride;  thou 
makest  it  go  before  destruction,  and  a  haughty  spirit 
before  a  fall.  Lead  me,  I  pray  thee,  to  reflect  that 
this  wicked  spirit  cast  out  the  rebel  angels  from  their 
first  estate,  into  that  fearful  darkness,  where  they 
are  reserved  in  everlasting  chains ;  and  that  by  it 
man  was  beguiled  in  the  garden  of  Paradise,  into 
that  disobedience  which  brought  death  into  the 
world  ;  and  that  it  has  ever  since  been  a  fountain  of 
guilt,  sending  forth  innumerable  streams  of  corrup- 
tion and  desolation.  Enable  me  to  set  this  vice  in 
strong  contrast  with  the  meekness  of  Christ,  and 
with  that  humility  by  which  are  riches,  and  honour, 
and  life.  Lord,  wherefore  should  I  glory,  since  all 
that  I  am,  and  all  that  I  have,  are  the  gifts  of  thine 
unmerited  goodness  ?  O  do  thou  give  me  such 
abiding  perceptions  of  thy  greatness  and  excellency, 
and  of  my  own  weakness  and  unworthiness — such 
views  of  the  presumption,  sinfulness,  and  danger  of 
pride,  and  of  the  beauty  and  blessedness  of  meek- 
ness— as  shall  lead  me  to  renounce,  at  once  and  for 
ever,  the  dominion  of  a  haughty  spirit. 

Great  God,  stain  the  pride  of  human  glory.  May 
sinners  learn  the  vanity  and  guilt  of  every  thing  that 
exalts  itself  against  the  will  of  God.  Teach  them 
that  neither  birth,  nor  learning,  nor  wealth,  nor  rank, 
is  noble  in  thy  sight :  while  the  humble  and  child- 
like are  the  greatest  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  O 
thou  exalted  Jehovah,  bring  all  their  thoughts  into 
captivity  to  the  obedience  of  Christ.  Let  them,  that 
glory,  glory  in  the  Lord ;  who  though  he  be  to  car- 
nal men  a  stumbling  block  and  foolishness,  is  yet  to 


183 

them  that  are  called,  the  power  of  God,  and  the  wis- 
dom of  God,  unto  salvation  ! 

Privileges. — See  Means  of  Grace. 

PROCRASTINATION. 

Lord,  keep  me,  for  Christ's  sake,  from  that  indo- 
lence of  heart,  and  that  aversion  to  duty,  which 
would  lead  me  to  evade  or  postpone  the  claims  of 
present  obedience.  Let  me  not  put  off  for  to-morrow 
nor  futurity,  that  which  ought  to  be  done  to-day. 
Suffer  not  the  hope  of  a  more  convenient  season  to  de- 
fraud thee  of  that  service  which  thou  requirest  of  me 
now.  O  grant  me  knowledge  to  discern  thine  ac- 
cepted time,  and  zeal  to  do  at  once,  and  with  earnest 
willingness,  what  my  hand  findeth  to  do. 

O  Lord,  how  many  have  cheated  their  consciences 
and  expectations,  with  intentions  of  future  repen- 
tance, and  are  now  reaping  the  bitter  fruits  of  their 
foolish  and  sinful  delay,  where  repentance  never 
comes.  I  beseech  thee,  explode  that  wretched  fal- 
lacy of  hope  which  binds  up  such  multitudes  in  the 
fetters  of  sloth,  and  delivers  them  over  to  the  chains 
of  the  second  death.  O,  awake  those  who  are  lulled 
by  this  opiate  of  sin,  and  teach  them  the  vanity  and 
guilt  of  delaying  to  make  their  peace  with  thee. 
Let  none  be  deluded  by  the  expectation  of  a  death- 
bed repentance.  Teach  them  how  vain  it  is  to 
expect  that  in  those  hours  when  the  judgment  is 
unfit  to  discharge  the  ordinary  duties  of  life,  it  shall 
be  competent  to  encounter  and  decide  aright,  the 
weighty  interests  of  eternity.  May  they  hear  thy 
voice  saying  to  them,  "  Behold,  now  is  the  accepted 
time:  this  is  the  day  of  salvation."  Draw  them 
unto  thee,  whilst  thou  art  waiting  to  be  gracious. 


184 

Show  them  that  if  they  will  still  refuse  to  come  to 
thee,  their  hearts  will  grow  hard  and  unfeeling ;  thy 
Spirit  may  cease  to  strive  with  them  ;  the  stroke  of 
death  may  cut  them  off  from  the  dwelling-place  of 
mercy  ;  and  then  they  will  lift  up  the  unavailing  cry, 
"  How  have  we  hated  instruction,  and  despised  re- 
proof.— The  harvest  is  past,  and  we  are  not  sav- 
ed." 

PROFANITY. 

Lord,  let  me  not  take  thy  holy  name  in  vain. 
Keep  me  from  profaning  or  abusing  any  thing 
whereby  thou  makest  thyself  known ;  and  lead  me 
into  a  holy  and  reverend  use  of  thy  names,  titles, 
attributes,  ordinances,  word,  and  works. 

Suppress,  I  beseech  thee,  the  profanity  which  so 
shamefully  abounds  in  the  world.  O,  I  would  lament 
before  thee,  that  because  of  swearing,  the  land 
mourneth.  May  all  who  are  guilty  of  this  trans- 
gression, be  persuaded  that  it  is  an  unprovoked,  a 
wilful,  and  presumptuous  sin  against  the  Most  High, 
whose  name  is  exalted,  thai  every  knee  should  bow, 
and  every  tongue  confess  before  him,  in  the  deepest 
reverence  and  self-abasement.  Thou  hast  revealed 
thy  name,  and  character,  and  dealings,  that  mankind 
should  praise,  and  supplicate,  and  obey  thee :  but 
they  have,  in  their  madness  of  heart,  made  this 
knowledge  the  occasion  of  impious  profaneness. 
Lord,  show  them  that  thou  wilt  not  hold  those  guilt- 
less, who  take  thy  name  in  vain.  They  that  love 
cursing,  shall  be  cursed.  Adorable  Jehovah,  give 
them  a  speedy  repentance  and  forsaking  of  their  sin. 
Grant  that  every  tongue  which  has  abused  thy 
majesty,  may  become  a  voice  of  thanksgiving  and 
prayer. 


185 


PROMISES. 

Great  Fountain  of  Blessing,  I  thank  thee  that 
thou  hast  strengthened  the  faith,  and  established  the 
hopes  of  thy  chosen  people,  throughout  all  genera- 
tions, by  many  precious  promises.  Even  in  that  day 
when  our  first  parents  forfeited,  by  iniquity,  their 
birth-right  to  Paradise,  thou  didst  give  the  pledge  of 
thy  truth,  that  the  seed  of  the  woman  should  bruise 
the  serpent's  head,  and  thus  recover  our  race  from 
the  ruins  of  the  apostasy.  And  ever  since,  in  all 
thy  revelations  to  men,  thou  hast  been  pleased  to 
declare,  abundantly,  thy  rich  purposes  of  mercy. 
They  are  scattered  over  every  page  of  thy  word  ; 
they  are  suited  to  every  variety  of  christian  expe- 
rience and  trial  ,•  and  they  are  so  plain,  that  he  who 
runs  may  read.  The  history  of  thy  heritage,  in  all 
ages,  has  borne  witness  that  they  are  steadfast  and 
true  ;  for  they  are  established  on  the  faithfulness  of 
the  God  of  Truth.  Lord,  I  desire  to  magnify  and 
extol  thee  for  those  assurances  of  comfort  in  this  life, 
and  of  bliss  in  that  to  come,  which  gather  in  count- 
less profusion  around  the  cross  of  Christ.  Blessed 
be  thy  name,  thy  promises  are  Yea  and  Amen  in 
him,  unto  the  glory  of  God. 

O  that  they  might  be  embalmed  in  my  memory, 
and  be  cherished  in  my  confidence;  for  they  are 
more  precious  than  rubies,  and  more  enduring  than 
the  foundations  of  the  earth.  Make  them,  I  beseech 
thee,  the  means  of  dispelling  my  sorrows,  of  scatter- 
ing my  doubts,  and  of  exciting  my  zeal.  May  I  re- 
gard them  with  overflowing  gratitude  to  thee,  as  the 
pledges  of  thine  eternal  truth  and  goodness;  as  the 
beacons  which  tliou  hast  set  to  light  up  the  gloomy 
pathways  of  life,  and  to  throw  over  the  pillow  of 
16* 


186 

death,  the  glorious  beams  of  an  unclouded  immor- 
tality. 

O  God,  fulfil  speedily  thy  promises  to  the  Daugh- 
ter of  Zion.  Let  not  her  ways  mourn,  nor  her  gates 
be  desolate,  nor  her  priests  sigh,  nor  her  people  be 
in  bitterness.  Put  off  her  sackcloth,  and  gird  her 
with  gladness.  Give  her  the  garments  of  praise  for 
the  spirit  of  heaviness.  Cause  her  righteousness  to 
go  forth  as  brightness,  and  her  salvation  as  a  lamp 
that  burneth.  O  create  her  a  rejoicing,  and  thy 
people  a  joy,  throughout  the  whole  earth. 

PROSPERITY. 

Lord,  suffer  me  not  to  be  anxious  for  worldly 
prosperity.  O  let  me  not  forget  its  fearful  dangers — 
how  often  it  leads  the  soul  away  in  forgetfuiness 
and  ingratitude  from  God ;  how  it  binds  the  heart  in 
the  fetters  of  worldly  conformity  and  selfindulgence; 
how  it  nourishes  pride,  indolence,  and  unfeelingness, 
and  palsies  faith,  zeal,  and  prayer. 

Lord,  if  it  please  thee  to  bestow  abundance  on  me, 
enable  me  to  use  it,  not  in  fulfilling  the  lusts  of  the 
flesh,  but  for  thy  glory  and  the  good  of  man.  If 
riches  increase,  let  me  not  set  my  heart  upon  them. 
May  I  remember  that  the  duration  of  their  enjoy- 
ment must  at  best  be  short ;  that  their  pleasures  are 
mixed  with  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit ;  and  that 
thou  wilt  judge  men  according  to  the  plenty  they 
enjoy  from  thee.  O  give  me  such  views  of  thy  bet- 
ter inheritance,  as  shall  preserve  me  from  the  thral- 
dom of  those  vices  which  spring  from  a  prosperous 
life.  Give  such  strength  to  my  hope  of  the  eternal 
weight  of  glory,  that  all  the  enjoyments  of  earth 
shall  be  barren  and  tasteless  in  the  infinite  contrast. 
O  make  me  ever  mindful  of  the  solemn  warning, 


187 


*'  How  hardly  shall  they  that  have  riches,  enter  into 
the  kingdom  of  God  !" 

Heavenly  Father,  let  me  not  be  envious  nor  rebel- 
lious when  I  see  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked. 
Surely  thou  hast  set  them  in  slippery  places.  They 
that  will  be  rich  fall  into  temptations  and  snares, 
and  into  many  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts,  which  drown 
men  in  destruction  and  perdition.  Lord,  what  shall 
it  profit  a  man  if  he  gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose 
his  own  soul  1 

God  of  Beneficence,  enlarge  the  souls  of  those  on 
whom  thou  hast  cast  the  mantle  of  plenty.  May 
they  bless  the  Lord,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits. 
Make  them  rich  in  good  works,  and  ready  to  distri- 
bute, according  as  thou  hast  prospered  them.  Teach 
them  that  the  silver  and  the  gold  are  thine,  and 
make  them  the  stewards  of  thy  bounty — willing 
instruments  in  sustaining  and  enlarging  every  work 
of  faith  and  labour  of  love.  Give  them  grace  to  lay 
up  treasures  in  heaven,  where  moth  and  rust  do 
not  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  cannot  break  through 
and  steal. 

PROVIDENCE. 

Great  Sovereign,  thou  hast  prepared  thy  throne  in 
the  heavens,  and  thy  kingdom  ruleth  over  all.  Thou 
doest  thy  will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  among  the 
inhabitants  of  earth  ;  and  none  can  stay  thy  hand, 
nor  say  unto  thee,  "  What  doest  thou?"  Thou 
callest  the  stars  by  name,  and  numberest  the  hairs 
of  our  heads  :  thou  upholdest  the  sparrow,  and 
givest  strength  to  the  seraph.  Lord,  I  would  praise 
thee  for  thy  most  holy,  wise,  and  powerful  preserv- 
ing and  governing  all  thy  creatures.  If  thou  shouldst 
withdraw  the  energies  of  thy  power  from  the  works 


188 


of  thy  hands,  they  would  all  fall  back  at  once  into 
non-existence.  But  blessed  be  thy  name,  thy  do- 
minion is  an  everlasting  dominion,  and  thy  king- 
dom is  from  generation  to  generation. 

Great  God,  enable  me  to  see  and  acknowledge  thy 
hand  in  all  the  movements  of  thy  providence.  Make 
me  realize  my  immediate  and  absolute  dependence 
on  thee,  and  my  obligations  to  thy  preserving  and 
governing  wisdom.  Make  me  submissive  to  every 
token  of  thy  will.  May  1  praise  thee  in  joy  and  in 
grief;  because  it  is  the  Lord  that  giveth,  and  that 
taketh  away.  Thou  art  indeed  wonderful  in  coun- 
sel, and  excellent  in  working.  Thou  givest  the 
mercies  of  every  day's  life  to  the  evil  as  well  as  to 
the  good.  But  it  is  only  for  them  that  love  thee, 
that  thou  makest  thy  providence  and  grace  work  to- 
gether for  good. — Exalted  Jehovah,  may  the  solemn 
truth  that  thy  kingdom  ruleth  over  all,  lead  me  to 
seek  thy  favour  as  the  chief  blessing  of  life  ;  and  to 
do  thy  pleasure  as  it  is  done  in  heaven. 

PRUDEIVCE. 

O  thou  who  only  art  wise,  vouchsafe  to  me  that 
prudence  which  is  the  dwelling-place  of  wisdom. 
Preserve  me  from  a  heedless  and  an  impetuous 
spirit.  Make  every  purpose  of  my  heart,  and  every 
action  of  my  life,  the  result  of  prayerful  considera- 
tion. Dispose  me,  1  pray  thee,  to  pursue  every 
right  object  with  a  proper  spirit.  Let  me  not  be  go- 
verned by  any  rules  of  policy  which  are  inconsistent 
with  a  good  conscience;  nor  do  evil  that  good  may 
come.  Instruct  me  in  all  my  personal  and  relative 
duties ;  and  give  me  sanctified  knowledge  and  dis- 
creet zeal,  to  meet  and  discharge  them,  in  the  sight 
of  God.  Grant  me  the  instruction  of  thy  word,  which 


189 


is  able  to  make  me  wise  unto  salvation ;  and  the 
teachings  of  thy  Spirit,  which  searcheth  the  deep 
things  of  God,  and  beareth  witness  with  our  con- 
sciences, whether  we  walk  in  the  way,  the  truth, 
and  the  life. 

Reason. — See  Knowledge,  Understanding, 
Regeneration. — See  Conversion. 

REPENTANCE. 

Heavenly  Father,  grant  me  repentance  unto  life. 
Give  me,  I  beseech  thee,  a  true  sense  of  my  sin.  It 
is  against  thee,  O  Lord,  I  have  sinned.  I  have  bro- 
ken thy  holy,  wise,  and  benevolent  law,  ways  and 
times  beyond  number.  I  have  sinned  against  the 
teachings  of  thy  word,  against  the  testimonies  of  con- 
science, against  the  drawings  of  thy  love,  and  against 
the  strivings  of  thy  Spirit.  My  transgressions  may 
have  led  others  into  the  paths  of  evil,  and  thus  have 
been  instrumental  in  loading  their  souls  with  guilt. 
Mine  iniquities  have  cast  reproach  on  thy  cause  in 
the  world  ;  and  they  have  shut  out  the  precious  light 
of  thy  countenance  from  my  soul.  O  God,  make 
me  feel  how  hateful  my  sin  is  in  thy  sight,  and  that 
the  perfections  of  thy  nature  are  pledged  for  its  pun- 
ishment. O  thou  hast  spread  wide  and  deep,  the 
lake  of  unquenchable  fire — thou  hast  built  with  ever- 
lasting strength,  the  prison-walls  of  hell — where  the 
unrepenting  sinner  will  dwell  in  torment  for  ever. 

Lord,  I  implore  thee  to  give  me  deep  convictions 
of  the  atrocious  guilt  and  soul-destroying  danger  of 
sin.  Grant  me  feelings  of  strong  abhorrence  to- 
wards it.  Incline  me  to  mourn,  with  bitterness  of 
heart,   over  my   transgressions.      Imbue  me   with 


190 


courage,    to    resolve    to   forsake   them,  and    with 
strength  to  turn  from  them  unto  thee,  with  earnest 
endeavours  after  new  obedience.     Teach  me  that  he 
who   turns   not  away   from   every   sin,    turns  not 
aright  from  any  sin.     O  let  not  mine  be  the  sorrow 
of  the  world,  that  worketh  death  ;  but  a  godly  sor- 
row, that  worketh  repentance  to  salvation,  not  to  be 
repented  of     Bring  me  to  thee  crying,  "  Lord,  save 
me,  or  I  perish."     And  say  to  me  in  thy  mercy, 
"  Son,  be  of  good  cheer ;  thy  sins  be  forgiven  thee." 
O  God,  kindle  a  fire  in  the  consciences  of  the  im- 
penitent, that  shall  cleanse  them  from  the  love  of  sin, 
and  purify  them  unto  thee,  in  holiness  of  heart  and 
life.     Convince  them  of  the  evil  nature,  and  fearful 
consequences  of  their   iniquity.     Show  them  that 
thou  art  waiting  to  be  gracious,  and  that  thou  hast 
no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  them  that  die,  but  that 
they  turn  and  live.     Turn  them  from  the  error  of 
their  ways,  and  lead  them  into  the  path  of  the  just. 
Induce  them  to  forsake  their  sins,  and  to  bring  Ibrth 
fruits   meet  for  repentance.     Incline  them  to  obey 
thy  will  from  the  heart ;  not  that  they  may  seek  by 
the  deeds  of  the  law  to  be  justified  in  thy  sight;  but 
that  he  who  was  delivered  for  their  oflences  may  be 
made  their  justification  and  complete  salvation. 

RErROOF. 

O  thou  Holy  One,  suffer  me  to  have  no  fellowship 
with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darkness,  but  may  I 
rather  reprove  them.  Cause  my  conduct  to  stand 
forth  as  a  sentence  of  condemnation  against  them, 
both  in  my  scrupulously  avoiding  that  which  is  evil, 
and  resolutely  cleaving  to  that  which  is  good.  Give 
me  a  lioly  courage  to  bear  the  testimony  of  my 
voice  against  Iransgrcssion.     But,  O,  let  it  not  be 


191 

done  in  anger,'  but  in  love  and  hiinaility.- — Lord,  may 
I  be  encouraged  in  this  duty,  by  remembering  that 
it  is  thy  will  that  we  should  in  any  wise  rebuke 
our  neighbour,  and  not  suffer  sin  upon  him.— If 
any  of  the  brethren  be  overtaken  in  a  fault,  make 
me  feel  that  it  is  both  my  duty  and  privilege  to  re- 
store such  an  one  in  the  spirit  of  meekness.  Show 
me  that  the  eternal  interests  of  the  ungodly  require 
me  to  take  up  this  cross  ;  for  the  want  of  my  reproof 
may  leave  him  unmolested  in  his  sin,  to  spread  its 
contagion  on  others,  and  to  go  down  with  it  to  the 
bosom  of  perdition  ;  while  my  faithfulness  may  be 
the  blessed  means  of  redeeming  him  from  the  domi- 
nion of  iniquity,  and  of  leading  him  to  seek  the  sal- 
vation of  his  soul. 

Lord,  dispose  me  to  receive  rebuke  with  meekness 
and  thankfulness.  Make  me  open  to  conviction,  and 
dispose  me  to  acknov/ledge  and  forsake  my  evil.  O 
may  all  that  are  the  subjects  of  christian  reproof 
reflect  that  he  who  is  often  reproved,  and  still  har- 
deneth  his  neck,  shall  suddenly  be  destroyed,  and 
that  without  remedy. 

Resignation.— >See  Affliction,  Submission* 

RESURRECTION. 

God  of  the  Living,  thou  hast  revealed  the  doctrine 
that  thou  wilt  raise  these  mortal  frames,  at  the  day 
of  judgment,  from  their  long  decay  of  death,  and 
make  them  joint- heirs  with  our  spirits  in  the  retribu- 
tions of  eternity.  All  that  are  in  the  graves  shall 
hear  thy  voice,  and  shall  come  forth  ;  they  that  have 
done  good,  unto  the  resurrection  of  life;  and  they 
that  have  done  evil,' unto  the  resurrection  of  damna- 
tion. 


192 

Lord,  I  thank  thee  that  our  Blessed  Saviour  be- 
came the  first-fruits  of  them  that  slept ;  thus  setting 
the  seal  of  heaven  to  the  truth  of  his  gospel,  and  to 
the  hope  of  our  resurrection.  If  Christ  be  not  risen, 
then  is  our  faith  vain.  But,  thanks  be  to  thy  name, 
he  has  the  keys  of  death,  and  could  not  be  holden  of 
it.  O  may  1  rejoice  in  the  hope,  that  though  after 
my  skin  worms  destroy  my  body,  yet  in  my  flesh,  I 
shall  see  God,  and  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord.  O 
grant  that  when  the  earth  shall  cast  forth  her  dead, 
this  corruptible  may  put  on  incorruption,  and  this 
mortality  put  on  immortality,  and  be  fashioned  like 
unto  Christ's  glorious  body,  according  to  the  work- 
ing whereby  he  is  able  to  subdue  all  things  to  himself. 

RETIREMENT. 

Lord,  dispose  and  enable  me  to  cultivate  and 
enjoy  the  blessings  of  christian  retirement.  Grant 
me  many  of  those  precious  hours  of  peaceful  seclu- 
sion, in  which  I  shall  find  rest  from  the  cares  and 
corruptions  of  the  world,  and  reflect  on  my  past  con- 
duct, my  present  character,  and  my  future  purposes. 

0  may  they  be  seasons  when  I  shall  fill  with  hea- 
venly oil,  and  kindle  with  holy  fire,  the  lamp  of  my 
profession ;  and  when  I  shall  hold  sweet  communion 
with  thee  at  thy  mercy-seat.     Vouchsafe  that  when 

1  thus  retire  from  the  world,  it  may  be  in  order  to 
replenish  my  soul,  and  return  again  to  the  duties  of 
life,  strengthened  by  thy  grace,  and  richly  laden 
with  gospel  blessings.  O  thou  who  didst  seek  the 
lonely  desert,  the  solitary  mountain,  and  the  covert 
of  night,  make  my  withdrawings  from  the  busy 
scenes  of  earth,  such  as  tiiine  own  were — hours  full 
of  holy  love  to  God,  and  fraught  with  good-will  to 
man. 


193 


REVENGE. 

Heavenly  Father,  convince  my  judgment  of  the 
folly,  and  my  heart  of  the  sin,  of  revenge.  Persuade 
me  that  it  can  neither  preserve  me  from  harm,  nor  pro- 
cure me  any  good;  while  it  stirs  upwrath  and  retalia- 
tion, and  arrays  against  it  the  anger  of  a  holy  God. 
I  pray  thee,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus,  let  me  not  render 
evil  for  evil  to  any  man.  Give  me  patience  under 
provocation,  meekness  under  injury,  and  good-will 
under  revenge.  Suffer  me  not,  in  any  case,  to 
avenge  myself:  for  vengeance  is  thine,  and  thou 
wilt  repay. 

REVIVALS. 

Blessed  God,  revive  thy  work ;  in  the  midst 
of  the  years  make  known ;  in  wrath  remember 
mercy.  Let  not  thy  heritage  be  in  bondage  to  sin 
and  siothfulness  ;  nor  the  ungodly  go  down  to  death, 
without  the  strong,  and  special,  and  redeeming  influ- 
ences of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Let  thy  work  appear 
unto  thy  servants,  and  thy  glory  unto  their  children: 
and  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us. 
Make  the  wilderness  like  Eden;  and  the  desert  like 
the  garden  of  the  Lord  :  let  joy  and  gladness  be 
found  therein,  wath  thanksgiving  and  the  voice  of 
melody. 

Great  God,  may  all  thy  ministers  be  indeed 
preachers  of  righteousness,  and  ambassadors  for 
Christ.  Sanctify  their  motives,  and  inflame  their 
zeal.  Give  them  wisdom  to  devise,  and  faithfulness 
to  execute,  such  efforts  as  shall  promote  thy  glory 
in  the  work  of  saving  souls.  May  they  search  .Jeru- 
salem as  with  lighted  candles,  and  apply  thy  truth 
to  their  hearers  with  plainness,  fulness,  and  pun- 
17 


194 

gency.  Bless  the  word  of  their  mouth,  and  accom- 
pany it  with  the  demonstration  of  thy  Spirit. 

O  Lord,  let  judgment  begin  at  the  house  of  God. 
Take  away  the  hopes  of  those  who  have  the  form  of 
godliness,  without  its  power.  Convince  thy  people 
of  sin  against  thee,  against  each  other,  and  against 
the  souls  of  the  ungodly.  Bring  them  to  repentance 
that  needeth  not  to  be  repented  of.  Break  from 
them  the  fetters  with  which  the  world,  the  flesh,  and 
the  devil  have  encompassed  them.  Give  them  that 
clearness  and  strength  of  faith  by  which  they  shall 
learn  the  value  of  their  own  souls,  and  the  worth  of 
the  souls  of  perishing  sinners  around  them. 

Heavenly  Father,  burden  the  hearts  of  thy  people 
with  earnest  desires  for  the  revival  of  pure  and  unde- 
filed  religion.  May  they  present  fervent,  importu- 
nate, and  believing  prayer  at  the  throne  of  thy 
grace  for  the  prosperity  of  Zion,  and  the  salvation  of 
the  ungodly.  O  fill  them  with  thy  Spirit,  and 
cause  them  to  abound  in  love,  zeal,  and  holiness. 
May  they  love  the  places  where  supplication  is  wont 
to  be  made,  and  where  souls  have  been  born  to  God. 
Give  them  grace  to  uphold  by  prayer,  the  hands  of 
thy  ministers,  whilst  thou  art  using  such  to  carry 
forward  the  triumphs  of  the  gospel.  Make  thy 
saints  willing  to  adopt  and  sustain  those  measures 
which  are  agreeable  to  thy  will,  and  which  receive 
the  abiding  sanction  of  thy  Spirit.  Lord,  cast  up 
and  remove  every  stumbling-block  out  of  the  ways 
of  Zion.  Give  thy  servants  unity  of  feeling  and 
action,  and  lead  them  to  act  in  the  faith  of  thy  word, 
wherein  thou  hast  said,  that  if  two  shall  agree  on  earth 
as  touching  any  thing  the)^  shall  ask,  it  shall  be  done 
for  them  of  our  F'ather  in  heaven.  Let  the  blessing  of 
the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  them ;  and  establish  the 


195 


work  of  their  hands  upon  them :  yea,  the  work  of 
their  hands  establish  thou  it. 

O  Most  High,  visit  with  convincing  and  con- 
verting power,  the  consciences  of  sinners.  Bring 
them  within  the  reach  of  the  preached  gospel,  and 
the  hearing  of  effectual  prayer.  May  thy  Spirit  set 
home  to  their  hearts  the  truth,  which  is  able  to  make 
them  wise  unto  salvation.  Make  them  feel  deeply, 
that  they  are  guilty  before  thee ;  and  that  instead  of 
having  the  offer  of  salvation,  thy  righteous  retribu- 
tion would  blast  them  in  everlasting  death.  O,  may 
they  cherish  the  workings  of  the  Holy  Ghost  within 
them,  and  fear  lest  that  Divine  Agent  give  them  up 
to  blindness  of  mind  and  hardness  of  heart.  Let 
that  godly  sorrow  which  worketh  life,  possess  every 
feeling  of  their  souls.  Show  them  that  now  is  the 
accepted  time,  and  this  the  day  of  salvation.  Give 
them  clear,  and  convincing,  and  persuading  views  of 
Christ,  as  the  only,  and  all-sufficient,  and  infinitely 
willing  Saviour.  O  God,  grant,  for  the  honour  of 
Jesus,  that  now,  whilst  thou  art  waiting  to  be  gra- 
cious, they  may  renounce  their  iniquities,  receive 
Christ  as  he  is  freely  offered  in  the  gospel,  and  give 
themselves  to  thee  in  a  covenant  never  to  be  for- 
gotten. 

Lord  of  Hosts,  make  the  fruits  of  revivals  glorious 
in  the  history  of  thy  church.  May  their  converts 
to  righteousness  be  for  multitude,  as  the  drops  of  the 
dew  in  the  morning.  May  they  be  distinguished 
for  consistent  piety  and  holy  zeal,  and  be  honoured 
instruments  in  multiplying  the  trophies  of  redeeming 
grace,  until  the  Lord  shall  have  made  bare  his  holy 
arm  in  the  eyes  of  all  the  nations  ;  and  all  the  ends 
of  the  earth  shall  have  seen  the  salvation  of  our  God. 


196 


And  to  God,  the  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit,  shall  be 
all  the  praise  in  earth  and  heaven,  now  and  tor 
ever.     Amen. 

Riches. — See  Prosperity, 

RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

O  thou  who  art  righteous  in  all  thy  thoughts,  pur- 
poses, and  ways,  give  me,  I  pray  thee,  the  character 
and  blessings  of  righteousness.  Make  me  just  to 
thee,  to  myself,  and  to  my  fellow-creatures.  But, 
O,  keep  me  from  trusting  to  my  own  fancied  merits. 
Rebuke  and  dispel  every  thing  like  self-confidence, 
and  lead  me  humbly  to  the  foot  of  the  cross,  there 
to  find  both  the  mercy  of  acceptance,  and  the  grace 
of  obedience.  Behold,  O  God,  my  Shield,  and  look 
upon  the  face  of  thine  Anointed.  May  he  be  for 
me  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness.  May  I  de- 
sire to  be  found  only  in  him,  not  having  on  mine 
own  righteousness,  which  is  of  the  law ;  but  that 
which  is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  and  which  is  of 
God  by  faith. "  O,  may  the  accepted  works  which 
flow  from  that  atoning  union  with  him,  be  found  in 
all  my  walk  and  conversation.  Cleanse  me  from 
dead  works  to  serve  the  living  God.  Make  me  dili- 
gent in  working  out  my  own  salvation,  knowing 
that  thou  workest  in  me  both  to  will  and  to  do,  of 
thine  own  good  pleasure.  May  I  love  mercy  and 
do  justice  towards  all  men  ;  and  whatsoever  I  would 
that  they  should  do  to  me,  in  temporal  or  spiritual 
things,  may  I  do  even  so  to  them. — Blessed  Source 
of  all  good,  fill  me  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness, 
which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  unto  the  glory  and  praise 
of  God. 

SABBATH. 

O  tilou  that  hearest  and  answerest  prayer  for  tlie 


197 

merits  of  Jesus,  the  Heavenly  Advocate,  give  me 
grace,  I  beseech  thee,  to  remember  the  Sabbath  day 
to  keep  it  holy.  In  six  days  thou  didst  make 
heaven,  earth,  and  sea  ;  and  didst  rest  the  seventh 
day:  wherefore  thou  hast  blessed  the  Sabbath,  and 
hallowed  it.  I  thank  thee,  God  of  Mercy,  for  that 
consecrated  season,  in  which  thou  givest  rest  to  our 
wearied  natures,  and  affordest  us  leisure  for  reflec- 
tion on  our  duties  in  this  world,  and  our  destinies  in 
the  world  to  come.  I  thank  thee  for  its  privileges  of 
praise,  of  prayer,  and  of  instruction,  by  which  thy 
saints  are  built  up  in  faith  and  zeal,  and  sinners  are 
brought  from  the  darkness  and  iniquity  of  carnal  na- 
ture, to  the  light  and  holiness  of  heavenly  grace.  I 
would  praise  thee  that  there  still  remaineth  this  rest 
to  the  people  of  God.  Thou  hast  made  the  Sabbath 
for  man ;  and  thou  hast  abolished  neither  its  privi- 
leges nor  its  duties,  but  thou  wilt  continue  them 
down  to  the  end  of  the  world. 

O,  that  I  might  always  be  in  the  Spirit  on  the 
Lord's  day.  May  I  remember  that  thou  hast  given 
me  six  days  of  the  week  for  my  own  employments, 
and  challenged  a  special  ownership  of  the  seventh  ; 
and  that  thou  hast  given  it  the  sanction  of  thine  own 
example  and  blessing.  O,  let  me  not  profane  that 
holy  time  by  idleness  ;  nor  by  doing  that  which  is  in 
itself  sinful ;  nor  by  unnecessary  thoughts,  words, 
or  works,  about  worldly  employments  or  recreations. 
May  I  sanctify  it  by  a  holy  resting  even  from  such 
avocations  as  are  lawful  on  other  days ;  and  spend 
all  its  sacred  hours  in  the  public  and  private  exer- 
cises of  God's  worship ;  except  so  much  as  may  be 
taken  up  in  the  works  of  necessity  and  mercy.  Let 
that  day  ever  be  a  precious  occasion,  wherein  thy 
love  shall  be  richly  manifested  to  me,  and  my  affec- 
17* 


198 


tions  shall  hold  free,  and  holy,  and  rejoicing  com- 
munion with  thy  Spirit.  May  1  be  prepared  by  its 
sanctifying  duties  and  reviving  pleasures,  for  serv- 
ing thee  and  mankind  better,  in  all  the  relations  of 
life.  O  make  it  a  blessed  type  of  that  eternal  Sab- 
bath, which  is  reserved  for  the  pure  in  heart,  in  the 
regions  of  unmingled  bliss. 

Lord,  save  thy  holy  day  from  the  desecration 
which  has  been  so  fearfully  brought  upon  it.  Thou 
seest  how  men  pursue  on  it  their  carnal  pleasures 
and  worldly  interests,  regardless  of  thy  statutes,  and 
the  ultimate  welfare  of  their  country,  and  of  man- 
kind. Even  those  who  have  made  a  covenant  with 
thee,  to  keep  thy  commandments,  sometimes  join 
hand  in  hand  with  the  ungodly,  in  these  profanations 
of  sacred  time.  O  that  thy  people  would  set  their 
faces  as  flint  against  these  transgressions  ;  and  bear 
the  testimony  of  their  voice  and  conduct  against 
them.  Bring  not  thy  wrath  upon  our  land,  because 
its  inhabitants  make  the  Sabbath  their  season  of 
amusement,  convenience,  and  lucre.  Teach  all  men 
that  it  is  thine  imperative  will  that  they  should  sanc- 
tify that  day  ;  and  that  thou  hast  judgments  in  store 
for  its  transgressors  : — while  they  who  turn  away 
their  feet  from  polluting  it,  and  from  doing  their 
pleasure  on  it,  and  shall  call  the  Sabbath  a  delight, 
the  holy  of  the  Lord,  honourable  ;  and  shall  honour 
thee,  not  doing  their  own  ways,  nor  finding  their 
own  pleasure,  nor  speaking  their  own  words — they 
shall  ride  upon  the  high  places  of  the  earth,  and 
shall  be  fed  with  the  heritage  of  Jacob;  for  the 
mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it ! 

SABBATH  SCHOOLS. 

Lord,  thou  hast  taught  us  that  it  is  lawful  to  do 


199 


well  on  the  Sabbath-day.  I  thank  thee,  that  in 
mercy  towards  the  ignorance  and  wickedness  of  the 
world,  thou  hast  established  the  system  of  Sunday 
Schools.  I  would  praise  thee  that  they  have  been 
spread  so  widely,  and  that  so  many  heart-cheering 
fruits  have  sprung  from  them.  Thou  hast  made  them 
instrumental  in  elevating  the  standard  of  knowledge 
and  active  piety  in  the  church.  They  have  been  the 
means  of  dispelling  ignorance  and  superstition,  and 
of  moulding  the  character  of  our  youth  in  right 
knowledge  and  moral  feeling.  And  blessed  be  thy 
mercy  for  that  which  is  worth  more  than  every 
other  blessing ;  they  have  been  made  the  nurseries 
of  the  Lord,  from  which  many  plants  of  righte- 
ousness have  been  transferred  to  the  gardens  of 
thy  church,  there  to  bear  fruit  unto  eternal  life. 
And  of  these  not  a  few  are  now  singing,  in  everlast- 
ing bliss,  the  song  of  redemption  to  him  who  said, 
"  Suffer  little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid 
them  not ;  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 

Gracious  God,  I  would  humbly  trust  that  these 
things  are  but  the  introductory  tokens  of  the  glorious 
influences  which  this  heaven-born  system  will  yet 
exert  on  behalf  of  our  ruined  race.  Lord,  am  I  not 
warranted,  from  thy  word  and  from  the  nature  of 
things,  to  expect  that  the  religious  instruction  of  our 
children  and  youth,  when  it  shall  become  universal, 
and  shall  be  conducted  with  that  preparation  of  the 
heart  and  answer  of  the  tongue,  which  are  from  the 
Lord, — will  secure  that  outpouring  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  which  will  fill  the  earth  with  thy  knowledge, 
even  as  the  waters  cover  the  deep  1 

Great  Shepherd  of  Israel,  may  all  that  seek  the 
prevalence  and  triumph  of  the  gospel,  give  this 
cause  their  sanction  and  help. — Make  thy  ministers 


200 

watchmen  and  husbandmen  in  it,  who  shall  give  it 
the  service  of  the  eye,  and  of  the  hps,  and  of  the 
hands,  with  wiUing  and  diligent  hearts. — May  all 
who  have  made  a  covenant  with  thee  by  sacrifice, 
and  who  stand  pledged  that  they  will  not  live  unto 
themselves,  inquire  what  thou  wilt  have  them  to  do 
in  this  labour  of  love.  O  that  there  were  heart- 
burnings of  shame  and  deep  repentings  of  soul 
among  those  who  have  refused  to  come  up  to  the 
help  of  the  Lord  in  this  work  of  faith. — Lord,  give 
this  cause  favour  in  the  eyes  of  parents,  and  of  the 
world  at  large.  May  they  all  delight  to  honour  and 
promote  it. 

Father  of  Mercies,  I  would  invoke  thy  blessing 
on  all  who  are  engaged  in  it  as  teachers.  Give 
them  knowledge  to  discern,  and  zeal  to  fulfil  the 
important  duties  of  their  office.  Show  them  that 
their  service  relates  to  filling  the  immortal  mind 
with  the  riches  of  religious  knowledge  ;  and  to  con- 
verting the  soul  from  sin  and  death  unto  holiness 
and  everlasting  life.  O  that  they  would  understand, 
and  meet,  and  discharge  these  awfully  solemn  re- 
sponsibilities ! — Lord,  give  them  grace  to  help  in  all 
their  times  of  need.  May  they  live  in  constant  de- 
pendence on  the  teaching  and  blessing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Put  into  their  hearts  that  well  of  living 
water,  which  springs  up  into  everlasting  life ;  and  let 
every  work  of  their  hands  be  nourished  by  that 
fountain  of  piety  within  them. — May  they  teach  by 
a  living  example,  that  shall  be  seen  and  read  by 
all  their  scholars — that  shall  make  them  as  a  city 
set  on  a  hill — that  shall  be  as  salt  to  purify  and 
save  their  classes. — Give  them  an  ample  and  well- 
diorested  knowledfre  of  divine  truth.  Make  them 
wise  in  the  treasures  of  the  book  of  nature,  and  the 


201 

volume  of  thy  providence.  Make  tbem  apt  to 
teach — in  simplicity,  in  patience,  in  love,  in  judg- 
ment, and  in  perseverance. — May  all  teachers  love 
each  other  out  of  pure  hearts,  fervently  ;  and  keep  the 
imity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace.  Make  them 
helpers  to  each  other  in  mutual  study,  and  in  private 
and  social  prayer. — Preserve  their  hearts  from  the 
influence  of  the  discouragements  which  beset  their 
office.  Let  them  not  be  cast  down,  nor  driven 
back  from  their  work,  by  difficulties  within  the 
school,  or  by  apathy  or  opposition  without  it.  Let 
them  not  be  weary  in  well-doing ;  but  do  thou 
strengthen  them  by  thy  precious  promises,  that  in 
due  season  they  shall  reap  if  they  faint  not ;  and 
that  though  they  may  now  often  go  forth  bearing 
precious  seed,  and  weeping,  yet  they  shall  hereafter 
return,  bringing  many  sheaves  with  them. 

Heavenly  Father,  visit  by  thy  mercy,  those  who 
are  taught  in  Sunday  Schools.  Though  foolishness 
is  bound  up  in  their  hearts,  thou  canst  supplant  it 
by  divine  wisdom.  Though  thou  seest  that  the  ima- 
gination of  their  hearts  is  evil,  thou  canst  create  in 
them  a  new  heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within 
them. — Lord,  make  them  punctual,  attentive,  obe- 
dient, and  diligent.  Seal  instruction  on  their  minds. 
Let  not  thy  word  return  from  them  void ;  but  do 
thou  prosper  it  in  the  thing  whereunto  thou  sendest 
it.  Let  it  not  be  as  water  that  is  spilled  on  the 
ground,  and  cannot  be  gathered.  0  make  their  hearts 
as  good  ground,  which  will  give  growth  to  the  seed 
of  truth,  and  produce  rich  harvests  of  spiritual  good. 
May  they  learn  the  worth  of  the  undying  soul  ;  the 
guilt  which  sin  has  brought  on  them  ;  and  the  fearful 
wrath  which  hangs  over  them  in  their  impenitency. 
Sliow  them,  O  Lord,  the  way  thou  hast  provided  of 


202 


escape  from  their  guilt  and  danger;  and  do  thou 
persuade  and  enable  them,  by  the  power  of  the  Spirit, 
to  receive  Jesus  as  their  Teacher,  Saviour,  and 
Ruler.  Merciful  Father,  may  it  please  thee  to  add 
to  thy  church  from  their  number,  many  of  such  as 
shall  be  saved.  Raise  up  from  them  many  who 
shall  be  burning  and  shining  lights — many  who 
shall  be  abundantly  blessed  in  the  work  of  saving 
souls. 

Lord,  I  offer  these  entreaties,  not  in  my  own 
merits,  which  are  worthless  in  thy  sight,  but  in  the 
name  of  the  Beloved — unto  whom,  with  the  Father 
and  the  Spirit,  be  sincere  and  endless  praise. — [See 
Teachebs,  Children,  Early  Piety.] 

Sacrament. — See  Lord'^s  Supper. 

SALVATION. 

Heavenly  Father,  grant  me  just  and  full  views 
of  the  plan  of  salvation  by  a  Redeemer.  Give  me, 
1  pray  thee,  an  understanding  to  know,  and  a  heart 
to  feel,  what  thou  hast  done  for  the  redemption  of 
sinners. — In  the  counsels  of  eternity,  thou  didst  fore- 
see that  estate  of  sin  and  misery  into  which  mankind 
should  be  brought  by  the  fall ;  and  thou  didst  not 
leave  them  to  perish  in  it ;  for  in  thy  wisdom  and 
mercy  thou  didst  devise  a  scheme,  by  which  they 
might  be  delivered  from  it,  and  be  brought  into  an 
estate  of  salvation,  through  the  atoning  blood  of  thy 
Son.  Thou  didst  send  him,  in  the  fulness  of  time, 
to  save  that  which  was  lost — to  ranson  those  who 
were  under  the  curse  of  the  law — to  redeem  them 
who  were  subject  to  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the 
devil ;  and  over  whom  were  hanging  the  terrors  of 
the  second  death.  And,  O,  that  redemption  which 
he  brought,  not  only  saves  from  these  fearful  evils. 


J303 


but  exalts  those  who  were  by  nature  and  practice 
the  heirs  of  wo,  to  be  the  objects  of  God's  favour  in 
this  life,  and  the  joint-heirs  of  Christ's  inheritance  in 
the  world  to  come ! 

O  Lord,  give  me  an  ever-present  conviction  that 
this  salvation  is  not  by  human  wisdom  or  power; 
for  it  was  thy  mercy  that  procured  it,  and  it  is  thy 
Spirit  that  induces  and  enables  us  to  accept  it. 
Direct  all  my  hopes  to  the  Lamb  of  God  that  taketh 
away  the  sin  of  the  world  ;  and  assist  me  to  realize 
that  there  is  no  other  name  given  under  heaven 
among  men,  whereby  sinners  can  be  saved.  Ena- 
ble me,  I  beseech  thee,  to  believe  in  him  with  my 
heart  unto  righteousness,  and  to  make  confession  of 
him  with  my  mouth  unto  salvation.  Teach  me  that 
it  is  by  grace  we  are  saved ;  for  thou  wouldst  not 
defile  the  excellency  and  glory  of  thy  work,  by 
making  it  the  fruit  of  our  works  of  righteousness, 
which  are  indeed,  of  themselves,  as  filthy  rags. 
Thou  wilt  suffer  none  to  glory  in  redemption,  but 
through  the  cross  of  Jesus  Christ. — Lead  me,  I  pray 
thee,  in  that  highway  of  holiness,  thy  sacred  word; 
which  thou  hast  given  us  that  the  man  of  God  may 
be  perfect,  and  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good 
works.  Seal  me  by  thy  Spirit  of  promise ;  and  if 
thou  hast  begun  a  good  work  in  me,  perform  it  unto 
the  day  of  Christ. 

O  Most  High,  if  the  righteous  scarcely  be  saved, 
where  shall  the  ungodly  and  the  sinner  appear'.' 
For  thy  great  name's  sake,  show  the  power  and  fit- 
ness of  thy  salvation  on  the  wicked.  Arouse  them 
from  their  false  and  guilty  peace,  by  some  bereave- 
ment of  their  comforts,  or  some  disaster  of  Hfe  ;  by 
the  startling  terrors  of  thy  law,  or  by  the  clear 
shining  of  thy  love.     Make  them  feel  that  the  re- 


204 

demption  of  the  soul  is  precious,  and  that  it  ceaseth 
for  ever.  Persuade  them  to  flee  for  refuge  to  a  cru- 
cified Saviour.  Take  them  from  the  horrible  pit  and 
the  miry  clay ;  and  set  their  feet  upon  the  Rock  of 
safety  and  blessedness  ;  and  put  a  new  song  into 
their  mouths,  even  of  praise  to  him  who  so  loved  the 
world  as  to  give  himself  for  it,  that  he  might  redeem 
unto  himself  a  peculiar  people,  who  should  serve  him 
in  newness  of  hfe,  and  enjoy  with  him  the  blessings 
of  an  everlasting  salvation. 

SANCTUARY. 

Lord,  incline  me  to  love  the  services  of  thy  sanc- 
tuary ;  for  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thousand 
spent  in  worldly  pleasures.  O  that  I  might  desire 
more  to  be  a  door-keeper  in  the  house  of  God,  than 
to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickedness. — Lord,  suffer 
me  not  to  forsake  the  assemblies  of  thy  saints.  May 
I  remember  that  Christ  loved  the  synagogue ;  and 
that  his  disciples  continued  daily  with  one  accord  in 
the  temple.  There  the  rich  and  the  poor  meet  to- 
gether, and  the  Lord  is  the  Maker  of  them  all. 
There  thou  makest  the  hearts  of  thy  saints  to  rejoice, 
and  preparest  them  to  run  with  renewed  strength 
and  increasing  diligence  in  their  christian  race  ;  and 
there  thou  makest  the  souls  of  thine  enemies  to 
tremble,  and  bow  before  thy  sovereign  will.  It  is  in 
thy  house,  O  Lord,  that  thou  showest  the  riches  of 
thy  mercy,  and  the  strength  of  thy  power ! 

Great  Master  of  Assemblies,  bring  me  to  thy  ta- 
bernacles with  preparation  of  heart  and  with  prayer. 
May  I  revere  and  love  that  gospel  which  is  preached 
there.  Incline  me  to  hear  it  with  close  and  devout 
attention,  and  with  personal  application.  Make  thy 
word  to  my  heart  as  u  fire  that  melteth,  and  as  a 


205 


hammer  that  breaketh  the  rock.  Inchne  me  to  hear 
it  with  candour  and  kindness  towards  him  who  is  its 
messenger ;  desiring  that  the  words  of  his  mouth 
may  glorify  God,  and  be  used  as  the  means  of 
quickening  and  saving  souls.  Strengthen  me,  I 
pray  thee,  to  obey,  with  full  purpose  of  heart,  all 
thy  commands.  They  only  are  happy,  who  in 
knowing  these  things  are  willing  to  do  them : 
for  not  every  one  that  saith,  "  Lord,  Lord,"  shall 
enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  but  he  that  doeth  the 
will  of  our  Father  in  heaven.  Make  me  a  doer,  as 
well  as  a  hearer  of  thy  word.  May  I  render  unto 
thee  not  only  an  outward,  but  an  inward  and 
spiritual  worship. — Lord,  let  not  the  impressions  of 
thy  truth  escape  with  the  occasion  of  its  utterance. 
Dispose  me  to  meditate  on  it  in  my  heart — to  digest  it 
in  my  thoughts — to  make  it  the  subject  of  prayer — 
and  to  show  it  forth  in  my  life.  O  let  it  not  be  as 
the  seed  by  the  way -side ;  nor  as  that  on  stony 
ground  ;  nor  as  that  among  thorns : — but  let  it  be 
like  that  which  fell  on  good  ground,  and  brought 
forth,  some  thirty,  some  sixty,  and  some  an  hundred 
lold. 

Lord,  bring  within  thy  sanctuaries,  the  multitudes 
who  spend  their  Sabbaths  in  idleness  and  sin.  O, 
let  not  the  walks  of  Zion  be  deserted,  while  the  gates 
of  hell  are  thronged  with  eager  travellers.  May 
thy  people  draw  them  by  the  bands  of  a  man,  and 
thy  Spirit  by  the  cords  of  love,  until  they  shall  come 
and  fill  to  overflowing,  the  tabernacles  of  the  righte- 
ous. And  come  thou,  O  God,  in  the  greatness  of 
thy  love  and  majesty,  and  make  thy  courts  melo- 
dious with  the  praises  of  souls  newly  ransomed  by 
the  power  and  grace  of  thy  truth.  And  thy  glorious 
18 


206 


name,  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit,  shall  have  the  praise 
for  ever. 

SANCTIFICATION. 

O  Most  Holy,  how  impure  is  this  heart  which 
thou  didst  make  to  be  the  temple  of  the  living  God. 
But,  thanks  be  to  thy  name,  thou  canst  make  me 
clean.  Thy  Spirit  can  sanctify  me  by  thy  truth 
and  by  thy  providence,  and  can  change  me  into 
thine  own  image;  making  my  powers  fit  for  thy 
service,  and  my  soul  meet  to  be  thy  dwelling-place. 

Lord,  grant  me  that  work  of  thy  free  grace  by 
which  I  shall  be  enabled  more  and  more  to  die  unto 
sin,  and  to  live  unto  righteousness.  May  I  remember 
that  thou  art  holy ;  and  that  this  is  thy  will,  even 
our  sanctification.  May  I  look  upon  Jesus,  in  his 
character  as  a  Saviour  from  sin.  Show  me  in  his 
sufferings  and  death,  the  guilt  of  man's  sinfulness. 
Teach  me  by  the  rebellion  of  my  own  heart,  its 
stubbornness  and  deformity.  Convince  me  of  its  de- 
merit, by  vivid  views  of  the  unending  punishment 
of  the  lost.  O  make  me  loathe  transgression.  Para- 
Ij'ze  its  power  over  my  judgment,  conscience,  and 
affections ;  that  the  body  of  sin  being  destroyed, 
henceforth  I  may  not  serve  sin,  but  be  the  servant 
of  righteousness. 

Great  God,  preserve  the  hearts  of  thy  chosen 
generation  from  sinful  thoughts,  words,  and  actions  ; 
and  do  thou  cause  them  to  abound  in  works  of 
righteousness.  May  thy  grace  sanctify  them  by  a 
hope  that  purifieth  even  as  Christ  is  pure ;  by  a  love 
which  seeks  conformity  to  thine  own  image ;  and  by 
a  faith  which  looks  at  things  that  are  not  seen,  and 
that  are  eternal. — Make  them  living  epistles,  seen 
and  read  of  all  men.     Make  them  the  salt  of  the 


207 


earth — the  means  of  leading  a  wicked  and  perverse 
generation,  by  the  power  of  a  good  example,  to 
glorify  their  Father  in  heaven.  Gracious  Sovereign, 
enable  them  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God,  their  Sa- 
viour, in  all  things.  Imbue  them  with  that  holiness 
without  which  no  man  can  see  the  Lord. — \_See  Ho- 
liness.] 

SATAN. 

Merciful  Father,  protect  me  from  the  open  and 
secret  influences  of  Satan,  who  is  the  great  adversa- 
ry of  souls.  O  let  me  not  be  heedless  of  the  truth, 
that  he  exerts  his  power  even  on  the  hearts  of  thy 
saints.  If  the  innocence  of  Paradise,  and  the  spot- 
less purity  of  Jesus  himself,  were  not  exempt  from 
his  devices,  I  surely  need  not  hope  to  escape  his  as- 
saults. But  I  implore  the  aid  of  thy  grace,  that  I 
may  resist  them,  and  triumph  over  them.  Bestow  on 
me  the  shield  of  faith,  wherewith  I  may  be  able  to 
quench  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked  one.  Give 
me  wisdom  to  detect,  and  virtue  to  repel,  all  his 
countless  temptations.  Arm  me,  I  pray  thee,  with 
the  sword  of  thy  truth,  that  I  may  resist  the  devil, 
so  that  he  shall  flee  from  me. 

Lord,  overthrow  the  power  of  Satan  in  the  hearts 
of  the  children  of  disobedience.  Let  not  this  world 
be  given  up  to  his  cruel  dominion.  Redeem  those 
that  are  under  his  influence,  and  make  them  the  ser- 
vants of  the  living  God.  Lord  of  Hosts,  cast  out  the 
prince  of  this  world.  Fulfil  speedily  thy  promises, 
that  thou  wilt  bruise  the  Serpent's  head ;  and  that 
thou  wilt  bind  the  Dragon,  and  cast  him  into  the 
bottomless  pit,  and  shut  him  up,  and  set  a  seal  upon 
him,  that  he  shall  deceive  the  nations  no  more,  until 
the  thousand  years  are  fulfilled,  in  which   Christ, 


208 

shall  reign  from  sea  to  sea,  and  from  the  river  to 
the  ends  of  the  earth. 

Saviour. — See  Jesus  Christ,  and  Christmas. 

SCRIPTURES. 

God  of  Truth,  I  praise  thee,  that  thou  hast  not 
left  the  human  race  to  the  blind  gropings  of  unaided 
reason,  in  seeking  a  knowledge  of  thy  will ;  but 
that  thou  hast  given  us  the  scriptures  of  truth,  which 
holy  men  of  old  spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the 
Holy  Ghost.  I  would  thank  thee  for  their  precepts, 
which  are  monitors  of  duty — for  their  examples, 
which  are  incentives  to  good — for  their  threatenings, 
which  are  merciful  warnings  against  evil — and  for 
their  promises,  which  are  the  beacons  of  hope.  Thy 
testimonies  are  sure,  making  wise  the  simple  ;  and 
thy  law  is  perfect,  converting  the  soul. 

Lord,  grant  me  an  affecting  sense  of  thy  conde- 
scending goodness  in  the  gift  of  the  volume  of  reve- 
lation. Give  me  the  teachings  of  thy  Spirit,  that  I 
may  understand  and  love  the  things  of  thy  word. 
Incline  me,  I  pray  thee,  to  keep  thy  statutes ;  since 
he  only  that  doeth  thy  will,  shall  know  of  the  doc- 
trine whether  it  be  of  God  :  while  he  is  cursed  who 
continueth  not  in  all  things  written  in  the  book  of  the 
law,  to  do  them.  O  make  the  scriptures  profitable 
to  me  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  and 
for  instruction  in  righteousness,  that  I  may  be  tho- 
roughly furnished  unto  every  good  work.  Incline 
me  to  search  them  for  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  ; 
and  may  I  find  there  that  pearl  of  great  price  which 
is  the  only  passport  to  heaven.  When  my  soul 
cleaveth  to  the  dust,  quicken  thou  me  according  to 
thy  word,  and  cause  it  to  dwell  hi  me  richly,  in  all 


20^ 


wisdom.  Enable  me  to  draw  lessons  of  wisdom 
and  holiness  from  its  blessed  pages,  wherewith  to 
guide  my  judgment  and  direct  my  steps,  in  all  the 
ways  of  life.  Sanctify  me  by  thy  truth ;  thy  word 
is  truth. 

Giver  of  Mercies,  I  thank  thee  for  that  bright 
cluster  of  evidences  to  the  truth  of  the  Bible,  which 
the  researches  of  the  wise  and  good  have  gathered 
over  its  sacred  leaves.  O  that  every  sceptic,  and 
every  infidel,  would  learn  from  them  the  folly  and 
wickedness  of  their  unbelief,  and  come  with  broken 
hearts  and  submissive  minds,  to  the  throne  of  thy 
mercy,  crying,  "  Lord,  we  would  believe  ;  help  thou 
our  unbelief." 

Lord,  bring  thy  truth  with  convincing,  and  per- 
suading, and  controlling  power,  on  the  hearts  and 
consciences  of  the  ungodly.  O  make  it  an  effectual 
means  of  converting  sinners,  and  of  building  them 
up  in  holiness  and  comfort,  through  faith,  unto 
salvation. — May  thy  saints  attend  thereunto,  with 
diligence,  preparation,  and  prayer ;  receiving  it  with 
faith  and  love,  laying  it  up  in  their  hearts,  and  prac- 
tising it  in  their  lives. 

God  of  Truth,  prosper  with  thy  blessing,  the  ef- 
forts which  have  been  made,  and  those  which  are 
now  making,  to  sive  the  word  of  life  to  those  who, 
m  our  own  and  in  other  countries,  are  perishmg  for 
lack  of  knowledge.  I  would  extol  thy  mercy  that 
the  sacred  volume  has  been  transmitted  through  so 
many  generations,  without  corruption  ;  and  that  it 
has  been  translated,  and  published,  and  multiplied  in 
so  many  tongues  and  nations  of  the  earth.  O  re- 
animate, and  strengthen,  and  extend  these  labours, 
until  thy  word  shall  have  free  course  in  every  family 
throughout  the  world,  and  be  glorified  in  bringing 
18* 


210 


multitudes  of  souls  into  the  kingdom  of  God.  And 
to  thee,  O  Lord,  shall  be  ascribed  power,  and  do- 
minion, and  glory  for  ever. 

SEAMEN. 

Lord,  remember  the  wants  of  them  that  go  down 
to  the  sea  in  ships,  that  do  business  in  great  waters, 
and  see  thy  wonders  in  the  deep.  Alas !  how  few 
of  them  can  be  said  to  have  any  Sabbath,  any  sanc- 
tuary, any  home ;  and  how  few  are  there  that  care 
for  their  bodies  or  their  souls.  Lord,  preserve  them 
in  their  constant  perils  by  sea  and  by  land.  O 
thou  that  makest  the  storm  a  calm,  that  the  waves 
thereof  are  still,  restrain  for  them  the  raging  tem- 
pest ;  quiet  for  them  the  devouring  ocean  ;  and  send 
them  in  safety  and  gladness  over  their  trackless 
journeys.  And  while  their  feet  are  upon  land,  keep 
them  from  straying  among  those  forbidden  paths, 
which  lie  thicker  than  the  perils  of  sunken  rocks, 
and  are  fuller  of  danger  than  the  stormy  winds  and 
treacherous  seas. 

Heavenly  Father,  I  thank  thee  that  this  class  of 
men,  so  long  neglected,  lias  at  length  arrested  the 
sympathies  of  some  in  thy  churches  ;  and  that  suc- 
cessful measures  have  been  undertaken  to  make 
them  the  subjects  of  that  gospel,  which  should  be 
their  anchor  in  port,  and  their  chart  at  sea.  Lord, 
spread  widely  through  thy  churches,  a  knowledge 
of  the  wants  and  claims  of  seamen.  May  thy  peo- 
ple look  with  compassion  on  their  toils  and  suifer- 
ings,  their  dangers  and  destitution  ;  and  be  led,  in 
the  love  of  souls,  to  strive  to  bring  them  into  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.  Grant  that  these  men,  who 
have  so  long  been  the  instruments  of  carrying  the 
vices  of  civilization  among  the  heathen,  and  all 


211 


nations  of  the  world,  may  soon  become  the  heralds 
of  the  gospel,  and  carry  to  every  coast  of  earth,  the 
blessings  of  redeeming  grace.  O  fulfil  that  vision  of 
prophecy,  in  which  the  abundance  of  the  sea  shall 
be  converted  unto  God. 

SELF-CONSECRATION. 

Gracious  God,  help  me  to  consecrate  myself  to 
thee  with  full  purpose  of  soul,  and  with  endeavours 
after  new  obedience.  Make  me  feel  that  if  I  could 
offer  thee  a  world,  and  yet  hold  back  the  gift  of  my 
heart,  my  oblation  would  be  but  a  worthless  and 
odious  thing  in  thy  sight.  Lord,  I  am  thine  by 
creation,  and  by  constant  benefaction.  O  has  not 
Christ  died  for  me,  that  I  shouxd  be  thine,  in  the 
purchase  of  his  atoning  blood  1  Let  me,  therefore, 
not  live  unto  myself,  but  unto  him.  Enable  me  to  say 
from  my  heart,  "  Here,  Lord,  I  give  myself  to  thee  ; 
it  is  all  that  I  can  do."  Accept,  I  pray  thee,  that 
offering,  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  the  Ransom  of  sin- 
ners. 

I  would  take  thee,  O  Lord,  as  my  portion — thy 
law  as  my  rule — thy  service  as  my  meat  and 
drink — and  thy  purposes  as  the  ground  of  my  faith 
and  hope.  Bring  all  my  expectations,  wishes,  and 
intentions  into  conformity  with  thy  will ;  and  let  me 
live,  and  move,  and  have  my  being  in  a  covenant  of 
full -hearted  and  never- failing  devotion  to  thee,  and 
the  interests  of  thy  kingdom. 

SELF-DENIAL. 

O  Most  High,  enable  me  to  deny  myself,  to  take 
up  my  cross  daily,  and  to  follow  my  blessed  Sa- 
viour ;  who,  though  he  had  shared  with  the  Father, 
the  glory  from  the  beginning,  yet  made  liimself  of 


212 

no  I'eputation ;  and  though  he  had  all  power  in  hea- 
ven and  earth,  took  upon  hun  the  form  of  a  servant, 
and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of 
the  cross. 

Lord,  grant  me  the  spirit  of  self-denial  in  what  I 
eat  and  drink,  and  wherewithal  I  am  clothed.  Let 
me  not  be  a  lover  of  pleasure  more  than  a  lover  of 
God.  Make  me  temperate  in  every  lawful  pursuit. 
Help  me  to  abstain  from  fleshly  lusts  that  war 
against  the  soul.  May  I  forsake  uncleanness  of 
thought,  word,  and  action.  Turn  me  away  from 
the  love  of  money,  which  is  the  root  of  all  evil. 
Give  me  grace  to  stifle  my  desires  for  the  praise  of 
men,  whose  favour  is  indeed  deceitful.  Rai^e  me 
above  the  fear  of  man,  that  bringeth  a  snare.  Assist 
me,  I  beseech  thee,  to  overcome  my  temptations  to 
display  and  to  self-righteousness  ;  and  let  me  count 
all  things  but  loss,  that  I  may  be  found  in  Christ, 
with  that  righteousness  which  is  of  God,  by  faith. 
Make  me  willing  to  give  up  every  thing  which  will 
come  in  competition  with  the  interests  of  my  soul, 
or  the  welfare  of  thy  kingdom.  Yea,  let  me  not 
count  my  life  dear  to  myself,  if  I  may  avoid  that 
which  is  evil,  and  cleave  to  that  which  is  right :  for 
whosoever  will  save  his  life  shall  lose  it ;  but  he  that 
loseth  his  life  for  thy  sake  shall  find  it. 

SELF-DECEmON. 

Searcher  of  Hearts,  suflier  me  not  to  dwell  at  ease 
in  Zion,  if  I  have  only  a  name  to  live,  and  have  not 
the  life-giving  power  of  godliness.  If  my  hope  be 
false,  O  take  it  away  before  it  becomes  as  that  of 
the  hypocrite — as  a  spider's  web,  or  as  the  giving  up 
of  the  ghost.  Bestow  on  me,  I  beseech  thee,  thou 
Gracious  One,  a  good  hope  through  grace,  whicli 


213 

shall  be  as  a  house  built  on  a  rock,  that  shall  not 
fall,  though  the  rains  come,  and  the  winds  blow,  and 
beat  upon  it.  May  it  be  as  an  anchor  to  my  soul, 
both  sure  and  steadfast,  entering  into  that  within  the 
vail.  Lord,  search  me  and  try  me,  and  see  if  there 
be  any  evil  way  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way 
everlasting.  If  I  have  indeed  been  deceived,  O  do 
thou  open  my  eyes,  and  turn  me  from  darkness  unto 
light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  I 
may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  an  inheritance 
among  them  that  are  sanctified  by  faith. 

Great  God,  let  there  be  searchings  of  heart  among 
all  that  profess  thy  name.  May  they  remember 
that  those  are  not  all  Israel  who  are  of  Israel.  Not 
every  one  that  saith,  "  Lord,  Lord,"  shall  enter  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  :  for  the  King  will  say  of  many 
who  would  be  guests  at  his  heavenly  table,  "  Bind 
them  hand  and  foot,  and  take  them  away,  and  cast 
them  into  outer  darkness — there  shall  be  weeping 
and  gnashing  of  teeth."  O  let  all  the  victims  of 
self-delusion,  cast  off  the  robes  of  deceit,  and  put  on 
the  wedding-garment ;  that  they  may  be  found 
among  thy  chosen  ones,  whom  thou  wilt  feast  with 
the  fulness  of  joy,  in  thy  presence,  for  ever  more. 

SELF-EXA3IINATI0N. 

Great  Source  of  Wisdom,  give  me  a  habit  of 
honest  and  searching  self-examination,  that  I  may 
prove  myself,  and  know  whether  I  am  in  the  faith. 
Make  me  ever  anxious  to  know  the  state  of  my 
heart,  and  the  working  of  my  motives.  Guide  and 
strengthen  me,  while  I  inquire  of  my  soul  and  of  thee, 
whether  I  acknowledge  and  mourn  over  my  trans- 
gressions, and  receive  Christ  as  my  wisdom,  righte- 
ousness,  sanctification,   and   redemption.      Have  I 


214 

indeed  been  born  again — am  I  a  new  creature  in 
Christ  Jesus — and  are  the  evidences  of  my  new- 
estate  clear  and  increasing  ?  Is  the  Lord  my  mas- 
ter to  serve,  and  my  portion  to  enjoy;  and  is  the 
welfare  of  his  kingdom  the  desire  of  my  heart  1  Am 
I  daily  dying  unto  sin,  and  living  unto  righteous- 
ness ?  Am  I  thankful  for  mercies,  and  prayerful 
for  blessings  ;  pursuing  the  glory  of  God ;  doing  to 
others  as  I  would  have  them  do  unto  me ;  and  dili- 
gently seeking  that  city  which  hath  foundations, 
whose  builder  and  maker  is  God  1 

Teach  me,  O  Lord,  all  my  errors,  weaknesses, 
and  sins.  Cleanse  me  from  them  by  the  enlighten- 
ing, strengthening,  and  sanctifying  influences  of  thy 
Spirit.  And  O,  may  I  remember  that  if  I  should  be 
wilfully  or  heedlessly  blind  to  my  transgressions, 
thou.  Lord,  knowest  them  altogether.  Let  not  self- 
love  nor  pride,  hinder  me  from  an  impartial  know- 
ledge of  myself.  Preserve  me  from  a  false  estimate 
of  any  part  of  my  character.  May  I  look  at  my 
principles  as  well  as  my  conduct — and  at  my  motives 
as  well  as  my  actions.  Let  me  never  mistake  the 
excitement  of  feeling  for  the  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  nor  the  outward  activities  of  religion  for  its 
inward  spirit.  Let  me  not  judge  of  my  religion  by 
occasional  impressions  and  impulses,  but  by  my  ha- 
bit of  life.  Lord,  make  it  worthy  of  the  vocation 
wherewith  I  am  called,  and  such  as  becometh  the 
gospel  of  Christ. 

SELFISHNESS. 

Great  Sovereign,  let  not  my  motives  nor  conduct 
be  governed  by  selfishness.  Teach  me  that  this 
principle  is  the  original  and  deep-rooted  sin  of  my 
nature.     O  how  has  it  exalted  self  above  all  other 


215 

creatures,  and  above  God  himself!  How  has  it 
filled  the  world,  in  all  the  length  of  its  history, 
with  pride,  self-indulgence,  contention,  cruelty,  and 
death. — Lord,  suffer  me  not  to  set  up  my  judgment 
against  thy  wisdom,  nor  my  desires  against  thy 
will.  Show  me  that  thy  will  is  the  supreme  law  of 
both  duty  and  happiness.  Keep  me  from  seeking 
my  own  interests  heedlessly,  or  at  the  expense  of 
the  welfare  of  others.  Make  me  realize  that  I  am 
but  a  unit  among  the  multitudes  of  thy  rational  crea- 
tures, each  of  whom  has  the  same  deep  stake  with 
myself,  in  the  pursuit  of  comfort  and  well-being. — 
Thou  hast  said  that  he  who  would  follow  Jesus, 
must  deny  himself.  Keep  me  from  the  character 
and  wo  of  those  that  covet  an  evil  covetousness,  and 
who  would  grow  rich  in  pleasure  and  worldly  good, 
at  the  cost  of  the  humble  and  needy.  O  let  me  not 
exclude  myself  from  thy  love,  nor  dishonour  hu- 
manity, by  shutting  up  my  feelings  of  compassion  at 
the  cry  of  want  or  misery.  Give  me  that  charity 
that  seeketh  not  her  own,  that  goeth  about  doing 
good,  even  as  did  our  Lord  and  Master. 

Lord,  preserve  me  from  selfishness  in  the  pursuits 
of  religion.  Though  thou  hast  enjoined  on  me  the 
most  diligent  efforts  for  growth  in  grace  and  per- 
sonal salvation,  thou  hast  laid  necessity  upon  me  to 
spread  the  gospel  among  the  destitute,  and  to  warn 
souls  from  the  broad  way  of  death,  and  win  them  to 
the  narrow  path  of  life.  O  help  me  so  to  blend  my 
duties  to  myself  and  my  neighbour,  that  we  together 
may  be  partners  of  thy  fellowship  on  earth,  and 
joint-heirs  of  thy  communion  in  heaven. 

SERVANTS. 

Heavenly   Master,   bless  those  that  occupy  the 


216 

relation  of  servants  among  men.  Teach  them  the 
duties  of  their  station,  and  dispose  them  to  do  them 
in  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  May  they  count  their  mas- 
ters worthy  of  honour,  and  obey  them  in  singleness 
of  heart,  as  unto  Christ ;  with  good-will  doing  ser- 
vice, as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  to  men  ;  knowing  that 
whatsoever  good  things  any  man  doeth,  the  same 
shall  he  receive  of  the  Lord,  whether  he  be  bond  or 
free.  Make  them  faithful  in  protecting  and  di-ligent 
in  promoting  the  interests,  reputation,  and  comfort 
of  their  employers. — O  that  they  might  always  be 
treated  with  kindness  and  liberality  ;  and  thus  be 
induced  to  a  grateful  attachment  to  those  whom 
they  serve.  Lord,  protect  them  from  oppression, 
unkindness,  and  fraud.  Make  them  contented  and 
happy  in  the  discharge  of  their  lawfjl  duties.  Show 
them  that  their  station  is  of  the  ordinance  of  God ; 
and  that  by  a  faithful  use  of  their  opportunities,  they 
may  so  labour  in  the  service  of  heaven,  that  at  the 
last  day,  their  great  Master  may  say  unto  them, 
"  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servants ;  enter  ye 
into  the  joy  of  your  Lord." 

SICKNESS. 

Blessed  and  Only  Potentate,  in  thy  power  are  the 
springs  of  disease  and  the  secrets  of  health.  Thou 
makest  sore,  and  bindest  up :  thou  woundest,  and 
thy  hands  make  whole.  If  thou  speak  the  word,  the 
season  of  my  sickness  shall  melt  away  into  the  re- 
freshing glow  of  health :  but  if  thou  command  it 
otherwise,  it  will  change  to  the  cold  and  gloomy 
darkness  of  death  and  the  grave.  Lord  make  me 
content  to  leave  its  issues  with  thee.  If  it  be  thy 
will,  then  raise  me  up,  to  praise  thee  in  the  land  of 
the  living.    But  if  not,  prepare  me  for  the  valley  of 


217 

the  shadow  of  death.  May  thy  rod  and  staff  com- 
fort me,  and  thy  hand  minister  unto  me  an  entrance 
abundantly  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Heavenly  Parent,  visit  in  great  mercy,  all  that  lie 
on  beds  of  languishing.  Induce  them  to  reflect  that 
disease  is  a  mournful  proof  of  human  transgression. 
May  they  regard  their  sickness  as  the  light  recom- 
pense of  their  iniquities  ;  and  as  the  discipline  of  thy 
hand,  which  will  either  prepare  them  for  better  ser- 
vice on  earth,  and  nobler  enjoyment  in  heaven — or 
leave  them  to  greater  hardness  of  heart  in  this  world, 
and  deeper  condemnation  in  the  world  to  come.  O 
Lord  of  Mercy,  relieve  their  pains,  or  give  them 
grace  to  bear  them  with  enduring  patience.  Let  them 
neither  despise  thy  chastenings,  nor  faint  at  thy  re- 
bukes. Grant  them  confidence  in  thy  wisdom, 
mercy,  and  power :  for  thou  canst  not  err  in  thy 
judgment — thy  chastenings  work  out  the  peaceable 
fruits  of  righteousness — and  thy  strength  is  made 
perfect  in  human  weakness.  May  the  light  of  thy 
countenance  be  more  desirable  to  them  than  even 
the  gladness  of  returning  health.  O  teach  them  in 
these  hours  of  suflering,  how  brief  and  uncertain  are 
earthly  comforts — how  weak  and  brittle  their  hold 
on  human  life.  Incline  them,  I  pray  thee,  to  renounce 
every  human  hope,  and  to  look  unto  Jesus,  as  the 
great  and  only  Physician  of  the  soul.  May  they, 
by  the  exercise  of  faith  in  his  atoning  blood,  conse- 
crate themselves  to  him,  that  whether  living  or  dy- 
ing, they  may  be  the  Lord's. 

Merciful  Father,  shed  thy  most  tender  compassions 

over  those  whose  sickness  is  unto  death.     May  thy 

saints  be  stayed  in  their  hour  of  trial,  upon  thine 

everlasting  arm,  and  go  through  the  swelling  tide 

19 


218 

with  hope  in  their  hearts  and  rejoicing  on  their  hps.— 
O  let  not  the  sinner  venture  to  encounter  the  king 
of  terrors  with  sullen  indifference,  nor  deceptive 
hope.  Although  a  death-bed  repentance  be  an  un- 
certain ground  of  trust,  yet  thy  grace,  which  is  suf- 
ficient for  every  emergency  of  life,  can  still  redeem 
him,  even  in  the  gates  of  dissolution.  O  Jesus, 
speak  to  him,  as  thou  didst  to  the  thief  on  the  cross, 
*'  To-day  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  Paradise." 

SIN. 

Holy  One  of  Israel,  teach  me  the  evil  nature  and 
fearful  consequences  of  iniquity.  It  is  the  trans- 
gression of  thy  law,  in  doing  what  thou  hast  forbid- 
den, and  failing  to  do  what  thou  hast  commanded. 
Lord,  every  sin  deserves  thy  wrath  and  curse,  both 
in  this  life  and  that  which  is  to  come. 

Assist  me,  I  beseech  thee,  to  feel  that  it  is  an  evil 
and  bitter  thing  to  sin  against  the  Lord.  Thy  law 
which  I  and  all  mankind  break,  is  holy,  just,  and 
good.  Thy  goodness  against  which  we  have  trans- 
gressed, has  been  over  us  every  hour  of  our  lives. 
Thou  hast  nourished  and  brought  us  up  as  children  ; 
but  we  have  rebelled  against  thee.  Every  sin  which 
we  commit,  includes  as  many  acts  of  ingratitude  as 
the  whole  number  of  thy  past  mercies  to  us.  Our 
iniquity  has  blinded  our  minds  towards  truth,  and 
has  made  us  the  prey  of  error.  It  has  been  the 
snare  that  has  corrupted  and  debased  our  souls,  and 
left  them  increasingly  open  to  temptation  and  guilt. 
O  make  us  feel  that  all  the  sickness,  misery,  re- 
morse, and  death  in  the  world,  are  the  fruits  of  trans- 
gression ;  and  that  if  sin  had  not  entered  into  the 
world,  this  earth  would  have  been,  in  all  its  genera- 
tions, a  paradise  of  happy   and    holy   obedience. 


219 

Lord,  increase  our  sense  of  the  exceeding  sinfulness 
of  sin,  by  heart-felt  views  of  the  humiliation,  agony, 
and  death  of  thy  Son ;  and  by  the  revelation  thou 
hast  given  of  that  blackness  of  darkness  and  anguish 
of  despair,  which  it  has  brought  on  the  finally  im- 
penitent, the  smoke  of  whose  torment  ascendeth  for 
ever  and  ever. 

Great  God,  it  becomes  me  to  take  shame  and  con- 
fusion of  face  upon  myself;  to  cry,  "  Guilty,  and 
unclean ;"  and  to  implore  thee  to  be  merciful  to  me, 
a  sinner.  Thou  art  spotless  holiness ;  and  thou 
canst  not  look  upon  sin  but  with  abhorrence.  If 
thou  shouldst  lay  judgment  to  the  line,  and  righte- 
ousness to  the  plummet ;  or  if  even  thou  shouldst 
deal  with  me  for  one  of  a  thousand  of  my  trans- 
gressions, I  would  be  driven  from  thy  presence  in 
utter  despair.  But,  thanks  be  to  thy  name,  the 
blood  of  Christ  cleanseth  from  all  sin.  Though  I 
should  be  condemned  without  hope,  if  I  dared  to  stand 
before  thee  in  my  own  strength  ;  yet  in  the  righte- 
ousness of  my  Surety,  I  may  approach  thee,  and 
receive  remission  of  sins. — Lord,  preserve  me  from 
the  dominion  of  unholiness,  whether  it  spring  from 
the  world,  the  flesh,  or  the  devil.  May  the  grace 
that  bringeth  salvation,  so  teach  me  to  deny  ungod- 
liness, and  to  fear  and  loathe  iniquity,  that  I  shall 
constantly  die  unto  sin  and  live  unto  righteousness. 

SINNERS. 

Great  God,  affect  my  heart  powerfully,  by  right 
views  of  the  condition  of  sinners.  O  let  not  my 
soul  be  at  ease  in  her  possessions,  while  the  earth  is 
full  of  the  workers  of  iniquity.  Let  not  selfishness, 
nor  unbelief,  nor  despondency,  stupify  my  compas- 
sions for  those  who  every  where  crowd  the  ways  of 


220 

destruction.  May  I  look  on  them  as  rebels  against 
thy  law,  over  whom  hang  thy  judgments,  which  may 
soon  overwhelm  them  in  remediless  ruin.  Give  me 
deep  yearnings  over  their  awful  guilt  and  danger. 
Dispose  me  to  pray,  in  earnestness  and  faith,  for 
their  deliverance  from  sin  ;  and  lead  me  to  strive  to 
pluck  them  as  brands  from  the  burning.  Lord, 
direct  me  in  the  choice  and  use  of  such  measures 
as  will  promote  the  salvation  of  souls.  O  wilt  thou 
give  me  the  blessed  privilege  of  turning  some  that 
were  ready  to  perish,  into  the  covert  of  redemption  ? 
Compassionate  Jehovah,  kindle  the  love  of  souls 
in  the  breasts  of  all  thy  people.  May  deep  concern 
for  the  spiritual  wants  of  men,  pervade  their  thoughts, 
direct  their  desires,  and  govern  their  conduct.  O 
that  all  who  call  upon  thy  name  for  their  own  salva- 
tion, would  earnestly  ask  what  thou  wilt  have  them 
to  do  in  saving  the  ungodly.  Arm  them,  I  pray 
thee,  with  those  weapons  of  love  which  are  mighty 
through  God,  to  the  pulling  down  of  strong  holds. 
May  they  use  the  power  of  a  holy  example,  the  wis- 
dom of  right  knowledge,  and  the  fervour  of  a  perse- 
vering zeal,  to  convince  and  persuade,  and  win  the 
unrighteous  from  their  transgressions.  Cause  the 
remembrance  of  their  own  former  impenitency  and 
exposure  to  wrath,  together  with  their  gratitude  for 
thy  distinguishing  grace,  to  excite  their  strong  cry- 
ings  to  God,  and  their  deep  compassions  and  earnest 
efforts,  for  those  who  are  living  without  hope  and 
God  in  the  world.  Lord,  set  before  the  minds  of 
believers,  the  weight  of  guilt  and  retribution  which 
hangs  over  the  impenitent ;  and  cause  them  to  fee! 
and  act  upon  the  strong  conviction,  that  in  fulfilling 
their  duty  to  such,  they  will  enjoy  peace  of  con- 


221 

science,  the  joyful  reward  of  faithful  servants,  and 
be  the  happy  instruments  of  saving  souls. 

Lord,    I    would  implore   thy   mercy  on   sinners 
themselves.      Convince   them   of  their  deep-rooted 
depravity,  and  of  the  wrath  they  are  treasuring  up 
against  the  day  of  wrath.     Let  none  deceive  them- 
selves with  a  vain  admiration  of  their  natural  vir- 
tues; for  these  instead  of  abating  the  enormity  of 
their  guilt,  only  stamp  upon  it  the  additional  reproach 
that   they  have  ungratefully  refused  to   consecrate 
these  virtues  to  the  Lord  that  bestowed  them.     O 
that  thy  love  to  them,  in  the  mercies  of  thy  provi- 
dence, in  the  pleadings  of  thy  word,  in  the  gift  of 
thy  Son,  and  in  the  strivings  of  thy  grace,  might  fill 
them  with  that  repentance  which  is  unto  life.     Per- 
suade  them   that   thou   hast  no  pleasure   in  their 
death ;   but  that  thou  art  waiting  to  be   gracious. 
Though  they  have  destroyed  themselves,  in  thee  is 
their  help :  whosoever  will,  may  take  of  the  waters 
of  life  freely.     Let  them  not  neglect  so  great  salva- 
tion, lest  they  sin  away  the  day  of  their  merciful 
visitation  ;  and  then  a  great  ransom  will  not  deliver 
them.     Lead  them,  I  pray  thee,  to  the  Lamb  of  God 
that  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world.     May  they 
look  to   him,  and  be  saved.    And  thy  name.  Father, 
Son,  and  Spirit,  shall  have  the  glory  of  their  redemp- 
tion through  time  and  eternity. 

SLANDER. 

Lord,  suffer  me  not  to  be  guilty  of  the  vice  of 
slander.  Let  me  not  through  either  mistake  or 
prejudice,  rashness  or  ill-will,  charge  evil  falsely  on 
my  fellows.  Make  me  tender  of  the  reputation  of 
all  men  ;  and  especially  of  the  household  of  faith. — 
O  how  has  this  sin  impaired  or  destroyed  individual 
19* 


222 

comfort  and  usefulness,  domestic  and  social  bliss, 
and  public  peace !  How  has  even  the  character  of 
piety  been  soiled,  and  the  unity  of  the  church  been 
rent,  by  the  words  of  suspicion,  and  tale-bearing,  and 
falsehood  !  O  that  all  evil  speaking  would  cease  out 
of  the  world,  and  that  all  men  would  judge  the  mo- 
tives and  state  the  conduct  of  others  in  righteousness 
and  truth. 

Lord,  keep  my  mouth  from  slander,  and  my  lips 
from  speaking  guile.  Incline  me  to  take  heed  to  my 
ways,  that  I  sin  not  with  my  tongue.  May  my 
speech  be  always  with  grace ;  for  if  any  man  offend 
not  in  word,  the  same  is  perfect,  and  is  able  also  to 
bridle  the  whole  body. 

SLAVERY. 

God  of  Truth  and  Love,  direct  aright  the  feelings 
and  judgments  of  all  men  in  relation  to  slavery. 
May  they  learn  that  it  is  a  sin  against  the  laws  of 
God  and  the  rights  of  man,  which  must,  if  not  for- 
saken, avert  thy  blessed  favour,  and  bring  down  thy 
sore  displeasure.  Thou  hast  said  that  love  is  the 
fulfilling  of  thy  law ;  and  that  whatsoever  we 
would  that  men  should  do  to  us,  we  must  do  even  so 
unto  them.  Thou  hast  told  us  that  the  cries  of  them 
that  reap  without  hire,  enter  into  thine  ears :  and 
thou  hast  denounced  heavy  wo  against  him  that 
buildeth  his  house  by  unrighteousness,  and  his  cham- 
bers by  wrong — that  useth  his  neighbour's  service 
without  wages,  and  giveth  him  not  for  his  work. — 
How  long,  O  Lord,  shall  the  selfishness  of  man  ap- 
propriate to  itself  the  time  and  the  toil  of  the  weak 
and  needy,  and  degrade  the  immortal  mind  with  ig- 
norance and  sin  ?  Lord,  let  our  land  soon  cease  to 
be  an  astonishment  and  a  reproach  among  the  na- 


22S 

tions  of  the  earth.  May  we  cease  to  do  evil,  and 
learn  to  do  well.  Show  us  that  righteousness  exalt- 
eth  a  nation  ;  but  that  sin  is  a  reproach  to  any  peo- 
ple. 

Shepherd  of  Israel,  take  away  the  guilt  of  thy 
people  in  this  matter,  whether  it  be  incurred  by  si- 
lence, approval,  or  fellowship.  Bring  them  out  from 
unrighteousness,  that  they  may  be  separate,  and 
touch  not  the  unclean  thing.  Teach  them  that  the 
righteous  considereth  the  cause  of  the  poor.  Enable 
them  to  discern  the  signs  of  the  times,  and  to  adopt 
such  measures  as  heavenly  wisdom  will  own  and 
bless.  Make  them  realize  that  all  men  have  one 
Father,  and  that  they  are  verily  guilty  concerning 
their  brother.  May  they  remember  them  that  are 
in  bonds,  as  bound  with  them.  May  they  open 
their  mouth  for  the  dumb,  and  plead  the  cause  of  the 
poor  and  needy. — O  God  of  Zion,  do  thou  take  up 
the  stumbling  block  out  of  their  way.  Let  them 
have  no  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful  works  of 
darkness,  but  rather  reprove  them.  Yea,  thou  hast 
said  that  open  rebuke  is  better  than  secret  love  ;  and 
that  faithful  are  the  wounds  of  a  friend.  May  they 
in  meekness,  instruct  those  that  oppose  themselves ; 
and  yet  be  faithful  witnesses,  that  cry  aloud,  and 
spare  not;  and  who  will  show  them  their  trans- 
gressions. Grant  them  in  this  warfare,  the  effectual 
fervent  prayer  of  the  righteous,  which  availeth 
much ;  and  make  them  abundant  instruments  in  ad- 
vancing the  cause  of  freedom,  and  saving  those  that 
are  ready  to  perish. 

Lord,  look  in  mercy  on  the  oppressor.  Preserve 
him,  I  pray  thee,  from  the  vengeance  of  the  oppress- 
ed. Touch  his  soul  with  a  sense  of  his  wrong,  and 
of  its  danger.     Show  him  that  thou  hast  made  of 


224 


one  blood,  all  nations  of  men,  to  dwell  on  all  the 
face  of  the  earth.  May  he  remember,  that  he  who 
oppresseth  the  poor,  reproacheth  his  Maker.  May 
he  break  off  his  sins,  by  righteousness;  and  his  ini- 
quity by  showing  mercy.  O  suffer  him  not  to  con- 
tinue to  take  away  the  key  of  knowledge,  and  to 
seal  over  to  vicious  ignorance,  the  souls  that  God 
has  made  for  the  light  of  heaven.  Let  him  not  look 
on  his  own  things  only,  but  also  on  the  things  of 
others.  Teach  him  that  it  is  safe  to  do  right ;  for  is 
not  the  work  of  righteousness  peace ;  and  the  effect 
of  righteousness,  quietness  and  assurance  for  ever? 
Lead  him  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good  ;  so  shall 
he  dwell  in  the  land,  and,  verily,  he  shall  be  fed ! 

O  thou  that  executest  righteousness  and  judgment 
for  the  oppressed,  wilt  thou  not  proclaim  liberty 
throughout  all  the  land,  to  all  the  inhabitants  there- 
of? Give  the  down-trodden  rest  from  their  sorrow, 
and  their  fear,  and  their  hard  bondage,  wherein  they 
are  made  to  serve.  Preach  deliverance  to  the  cap- 
lives,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison-doors  to  them 
that  are  bound.  But,  O,  let  it  be  a  bloodless  deliver- 
ance ;  and  let  the  captive  come  forth  by  the  will  of 
his  master  ;  that  God  may  be  glorified  as  much  in 
the  repentance  of  the  one,  as  in  the  liberty  of  the 
other.  And  when  thou  settest  the  slave  free  from 
the  oppression  of  man,  deliver  him  from  the  bondage 
of  sin.  Give  him  the  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God. 
Make  him  thy  servant,  that  his  fruit  may  be  holi- 
ness, and  the  end  everlasting  life. 

Sorrow. — See  Grief. 

SOUL. 

Eternal  and  Unchangeable  Jehovah,  thou   hast 


225 


given  me  a  soul  of  deathless  nature,  and  of  priceless 
worth.  The  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  shall 
be  dissolved ;  the  earth  and  all  that  is  therein  shall 
be  burnt  up  ;  the  heavens  shall  pass  away  ;  and  time 
shall  be  no  more — and  still  this  spirit  will  live  on,  in 
imperishable  youth.  O,  what  is  a  man  profited  if  he 
should  gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul? 
Riches  make  to  themselves  wings,  and  fly  away  ; 
honour  is  but  a  passing  breath  of  air  ;  and  pleasure 
perishes  in  the  using : — but  thou  hast  made  the  soul 
in  the  image  of  thine  own  eternity. 

God  of  Wisdom,  help  me  to  understand  something 
of  its  ever-living  value.  Teach  me  that  its  powers 
of  thought,  memory,  and  affection  will  cling  to  it, 
with  an  everlasting  increase  ;  and  will  be  instruments 
of  exalting  its  hallowed  pleasures,  or  of  deepening  its 
debasing  woes,  for  ever. — O  cause  me  to  learn  the 
value  of  my  soul,  by  the  price  that  was  paid  for  it. 
Thou  didst  so  love  the  world,  as  to  give  thy  Son  to 
die  for  us.  Thou  didst  not  redeem  us  with  corrupti- 
ble things,  such  as  silver  and  gold  ;  but  with  the  pre- 
cious blood  of  Christ. — Lord,  let  me  not  learn  the 
worth  of  my  soul  by  its  eternal  loss,  but  by  its  ever- 
lasting gain. 

Great  God,  thou  hast  put  these  awful  and  eternal 
interests  in  the  issues  of  human  life.  Our  season  of 
time,  brief  and  uncertain  at  best,  is  our  probation 
that  will  determine  our  destinies  for  eternity.  Help 
me,  I  beseech  thee,  now  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come,  and  to  pursue  the  inheritance  of  bliss.  Make 
my  day  and  means  of  grace  sufficient  to  bring  me 
into  the  narrow  way  that  leadeth  unto  life;  and  then, 
when  thou  hast  served  thy  righteous  pleasure  with 
me  here,  where  I  have  no  abiding  place,  lake  me  to 


226 


that  city  wliich  hath  foundations,  whose  builder  and 
maker  is  God. 

Lord,  lead  the  impenitent  to  inquire,  "  What  shall 
a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his  soul?"  O  that  they 
might  reflect  on  that  blackness  of  darkness,  and  on 
that  fulness  of  joy,  one  or  other  of  which  must  result 
to  the  undying  spirit,  from  the  deeds  done  in  the 
body.  Spread  before  their  minds  that  holy  and 
blissful  rest  that  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God ; 
and  bring  into  full  contrast  with  it  the  bottomless 
pit,  the  unquenchable  fire,  the  worm  that  never 
dieth,  and  the  weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth,  pre- 
pared for  the  devil  and  his  angels,  and  for  the  spirits 
of  the  lost.  O  do  thou  write  over  all  their  thoughts 
of  these  scenes,  as  in  letters  of  light,  eternity, 
ETERNITY.  Draw  them  by  the  cords  of  thy  love, 
and  incline  them  by  the  terrors  of  thy  law,  to  make 
their  peace  with  thee,  ere  the  precious  redemption  of 
the  soul  ceaseth  for  ever. 

SOVEREIGNTY  OF  GOD. 

Lord,  thou  doest  according  to  thy  will  in  the  army 
of  heaven,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of  earth  ;  and 
none  can  stay  thy  hand,  or  say  unto  thee,  "  What 
doest  thou  1"  Thou  workest  all  things  after  the 
counsel  of  thine  own  will.  A  man's  heart  deviseth 
his  way,  but  thou  directest  his  steps.  Thou  hast 
chosen  our  inheritance,  and  determined  our  changes, 
and  fixed  the  number  of  our  days.  We  are  in  thy 
hands,  as  clay  in  the  hands  of  the  potter. — Lord,  I 
would  adore  the  mystery  of  thy  sovereignty  in  the 
works  of  grace.  Thou  hast  mercy  on  whom  thou 
wilt  have  mercy  ;  and  whom  thou  wilt  thou  harden-, 
est.  Even  so.  Father;  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy 
siijht. 


227 

Great  God,  I  rejoice  that  thy  dominion  is  built  on 
power  and  wisdom,  righteousness  and  mercy.  Thou 
alone  mayest  exercise  it ;  for  thou  art  the  Maker, 
Governor,  Benefactor,  and  Judge  of  all  things. — O 
do  thou  work  in  me  to  will  and  to  do  of  thy  good 
pleasure.  Let  me  not  be  the  slave  of  sin,  but  the 
servant  of  Jesus ;  for  his  yoke  is  easy,  and  his  bur- 
den is  light,  to  all  who  put  their  trust  in  thee.  Thy 
statutes  are  right,  and  thy  law  is  perfect.  Because 
the  Lord  reigneth,  let  the  earth  rejoice ;  let  the  mul- 
titude of  isles  be  glad  thereof  Though  clouds  and 
darkness  are  round  about  thee,  justice  and  judgment 
are  the  habitation  of  thy  throne. 

Lord,  do  good  in  thy  good  pleasure  unto  Zion. 
Build  thou  the  walls  of  Jerusalem.  Be  thou  her 
king,  to  govern,  to  defend,  and  to  lead  her  forward, 
conquering  and  to  conquer.  May  that  stone  which 
was  cut  out  without  hands,  become  a  great  moun- 
tain, and  fill  the  whole  earth. 

Sovereign  of  the  Universe,  teach  all  men  that  it  is 
lawful  for  thee  to  do  what  thou  wilt  with  thine  own. 
Wo  unto  him  that  striveth  with  his  Maker.  Let  the 
potsherds  of  the  earth  strive  with  the  potsherds  of  the 
earth  ;  but  let  not  the  thing  formed  say  to  him  that 
formed  it,  "  Why  hast  thou  made  me  thus  ?" — Lord, 
bring  the  hearts  of  the  ungodly  to  bow  in  quiet  and 
confiding  submission  to  thy  will.  Make  them  wil- 
ling in  the  day  of  thy  power.  May  they  know  that 
thy  dominion  will  be  an  everlasting  dominion,  even 
though  they  may  never  become  the  subjects  of  thy 
heavenly  kingdom.  Thou  makest  the  wrath  of  men 
to  praise  thee :  and  when  the  smoke  of  t?ieir  torment 
ascendeth  up  for  ever  and  ever,  then  shall  be  heard 
the  voice  of  a  great  multitude,  as  the  voice  of  many 


228 


waters  and  of  mighty  thimderings,  saying,  "  Alle* 
luia ;  for  the  Lord  God,  Omnipotent,  reigneth." 

Spirit. — See  Holy  Ghost. 

SPIRITUALITY. 

Heavenly  Father,  grant  me,  in  the  name  of  Jesus, 
that  spiritual  mind  which  is  Hfe  and  peace.  Let  not 
my  heart  be  troubled  nor  careful  about  the  things 
of  this  world ;  but  let  it  choose  that  better  part, 
which  cannot  be  taken  from  me.  May  I  regard  the 
blessing  of  thy  favour  infinitely  above  any  and  all 
earthly  good.  Incline  me  to  find  my  pleasure  in  the 
services  of  thy  kingdom,  and  not  in  the  debasements 
of  sense.  Purify  my  motives,  and  make  the  objects 
of  my  desires  such  as  shall  be  in  harmony  with  the 
teachings  of  the  Holy  Ghost. — Lord,  fill  my  soul 
with  those  spiritual  joys  which  raise  the  heart  above 
the  pleasures,  honours,  and  riches  of  the  world ; 
which  throw  the  gladness  of  hope  over  earth's  dark- 
est scenes  ;  and  which  are  sweet  foretastes  of  the 
happiness  of  that  land  of  spirits,  where  formality, 
and  sense,  and  sin,  shall  give  place  to  sincerity,  de- 
votion, and  holiness. 

SPRING. 

Lord,  thou  sendest  out  thy  word,  and  meltest  the 
ice ;  thou  causest  thy  wind  to  blow,  and  the  waters 
flow.  Lo!  the  winter  is  past,  and  the  flowers  appear  on 
the  earth  :  the  time  of  the  singing  of  birds  is  come  : 
thou  waterest  the  hills  from  thy  chambers  ;  and  thy 
breath  maketh  the  earth  iVuitful. 

O  may  the  returning  warmth,  the  reviving  ver- 
dure, the  gushing  waters — the  universal  joy  of 
emancipated  nature,  create  an  echo  of  sympathy  in 


229 

my  heart,  and  lead  my  affections  and  devotions  up 
to  thy  throne  in  heaven.  Enlarge,  and  instruct, 
and  sanctify  my  mind  by  frequent  contemplations  of 
thee  in  the  works  of  thy  hands.  May  I  hear  a  voice 
of  wisdom,  and  mystery,  and  praise  from  every  grain 
of  sand  and  blade  of  grass ;  from  every  breath  of 
air  and  cloud  of  heaven ;  from  every  drop  of  dew 
and  shower  of  rain ;  from  every  beam  of  light  and 
shade  of  darkness  ;  from  every  flowing  fountain  and 
rolling  river ;  from  every  peaceful  valley  and  stable 
mountain.     Blessed  Lord,  all  thy  works  praise  thee. 

0  why  should  man,  who  enjoys  thy  richest  bless- 
ings, be  last  and  feeblest  in  his  testimony  to  thy 
greatness  ?  Grant  that  my  thoughts  may  meditate 
on  thy  wonders, — that  my  lips  may  speak  of  thy 
worth — and  that  my  life  may  show  forth  thy  glory. 

Fill  my  heart  with  love  to  thee,  when  I  look  on 
the  bounty  of  nature ;  for  thou  art  by  it  preserving 
the  life  of  man  and  beast,  and  bestowing  on  them 
both  gladness  and  plenty.  Let  it  inspire  me  with 
confidence  in  thy  providence ;  for  if  God  so  clothes 
the  grass,  which  to-day  is  in  the  field,  and  to-mor- 
row is  cast  into  the  oven,  shall  he  not  much  more 
clothe  me  1  And  if  he  feeds  the  fowls  of  the  air, 
which  neither  sow,  nor  reap,  nor  gather  into  barns, 
will  he  not  also  feed  me  ?     Lord,  thou  knowest  that 

1  have  need  of  these  things ;  and  thou  hast  promised 
to  add  them  unto  me,  if  I  seek  first  thy  kingdom  and 
righteousness. 

O  thou  that  renewest  the  face  of  the  earth,  grant 
my  soul  the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Whilst 
thou  art  clothing  creation  with  the  beauty  and  vigour 
of  a  new  life,  give  me,  I  pray  thee,  the  beauty  of 
holiness,  and  make  me  a  new  creature  in  Christ 
Jesus. 

20 


230 

Lord,  bless  those  who  are  in  the  spring-time  of 
life.  May  they  remember  their  Creator  in  the  days 
of  their  youth.  Teach  them  that  though  their  joy  W. 
in  its  opening  bud,  thou  canst  blast  it,  ere  it  become 
a  flower — though  their  hope  is  full  of  light,  thou 
canst  draw  over  it  the  cloud  of  sorrow — though 
they  are  in  the  morning  of  life,  thou  canst  speedily 
bring  over  them  the  night  of  death.  O  dispose  them 
to  give  the  bud  of  their  being,  the  brightness  of  their 
hope,  the  dawn  of  their  day,  to  him  who  made  and 
seeks  their  hearts.  And  then  when  time  shall 
be  no  more,  they  shall  dwell  where  no  cold  shall 
wither  their  immortal  bloom,  no  cloud  cast  a  shadow 
over  their  radiant  joy,  and  no  night  darken  their 
endless  day ! 

SUBMISSION. 

Lord,  grant  me,  through  the  mediation  of  Jesus, 
the  grace  of  submission.  I  pray  thee,  let  me  never 
murmur  nor  rebel  against  either  thy  word  or  provi- 
dence. Thou  hast  an  infinite  right  to  reign  in  me, 
and  to  rule  over  me,  and  to  do  with  me,  as  seemeth 
good  in  thy  sight.  Thou  canst  not  devise  any  sta- 
tute which  is  not  founded  on  infinite  wisdom  and 
goodness.  Thou  canst  not  execute  any  measure 
that  is  not  sanctioned  by  righteousness  and  grace. 

O  strengthen  me  by  fiith  and  love,  that  I  may 
bow  to  every  token  of  thy  will — which  is  indeed  the 
perfection  of  knowledge,  holiness,  and  mercy.  I 
thank  thee,  Lord,  for  that  full  expression  of  it  which 
thou  hnst  bequeathed  in  thy  word.  There  thou  hast 
given  line  upon  line,  and  precept  upon  precept,  that 
none  may  err  therein.  And  yet  how  often  does  my 
heart  forget  and  forsake,  and  sometimes  contend 
against  thy  law.     How  prone  is  it  to  be  unsubmis- 


231 

sive  when  thou  layest  thy  hand  upon  me  in  correc- 
tion or  displeasure.  O  God,  assist  me  to  recognize 
thy  hand  in  all  the  workings  of  thy  providence;  and 
lead  me  to  concur  cheerfully,  with  every  intimation 
which  thou  givest  in  these  things,  of  thy  sovereign 
pleasure.  Incline  me,  I  pray  thee,  to  receive  thy 
commandment  as  the  law  of  my  language,  feelings, 
and  conduct.  Let  me  not  despise  thy  chastenings, 
nor  faint  at  th}^  rebukes.  May  I  be  still,  and  know 
that  thou  art  God. — [See  Affliction.] 

Saviour  of  Man,  bring  the  impenitent  to  submit  to 
thy  will.  Thou  wouldst  indeed  have  them  forsake 
their  rebellion,  and  obey  thy  law  ;  and  thou  art 
seeking  to  win  them  to  obedience,  by  the  promises 
of  thy  grace,  and  the  warnings  of  thy  wrath.  O 
convince  them  that  thy  judgments  are  round  about 
them,  and  that  the  second  death  is  before  them. 
Show  them  that  their  unreserved  submission  to  thee, 
is  their  only  wisdom  and  safety  :  for  then,  instead  of 
being  exposed  to  thy  sore  displeasure,  they  will  be 
received  into  thy  favour,  and  enjoy  the  perfect  peace 
of  him  whose  heart  is  stayed  on  thee. 

SUMMER. 

Creator  of  Heaven  and  Earth,  thou  hast  set  a 
tabernacle  in  the  firmament  for  the  sun.  His  going 
forth  is  from  the  end  of  the  heaven,  and  his  circuit 
unto  the  ends  of  it ;  and  there  is  nothing  that  is  hid 
from  the  heat  thereof. 

Lord,  if  it  please  thee,  preserve  my  health  and  life 
during  these  months  that  are  so  often  marked  by  the 
ravages  of  disease  and  death.  Especially  do  thou 
keep  my  soul  from  the  maladies  of  sin,  and  give  me 
the  saving  health  of  thy  Spirit,  through  the  grace  or 
the  Lord  Jesus.  Be  unto  me  as  the  shadow  of  a  great 


23-2 

rock  in  a  weary  land. — Lord,  lift  up  the  light  of  thy 
countenance  upon  me,  and  send  me  thy  Sun  of 
righteousness,  with  healing  in  his  wings.  And, 
through  thy  tender  mercy,  let  the  day-spring  from 
on  high,  visit  those  that  sit  in  darkness,  and  in  the 
shadow  of  death,  to  guide  their  feet  in  the  way  of 
peace. 

Great  Benefactor,  I  thank  thee  for  this  season,  in 
which  thou  art  blessing  the  toil  of  the  labourer  and 
fulfilling  the  desire  of  the  husbandman.  Disappoint 
not  those  who  wait  for  the  precious  fruit  of  the  earth. 
Let  not  the  ground  be  parched  with  continual  and 
oppressive  heat,  nor  flooded  by  untimely  and  destroy- 
ing rain.  Let  the  heavens  give  their  dew — make 
thou  the  earth  soft  with  showers — give  the  clear 
shining  after  rain,  whereby  the  grass  springeth  out 
of  the  earth — and  let  the  land  yield  her  increase 
abundantly. 

Lord,  whilst  thou  art  giving  seed  to  the  sower 
and  bread  to  the  eater,  incline  men  to  hunger  and 
thirst  after  righteousness.  Bestow  on  them  that 
bread  of  God,  which  is  he  that  came  down  from 
heaven,  and  gave  his  life  for  the  world,  that  whoso- 
ever Cometh  to  him,  should  never  hunger,  and  that 
whosoever  believeth  on  him  should  never  thirst. 

O  thou  that  givest  growth  and  plenty,  bless  the 
good  seed  of  thy  word.  As  the  rain  cometli  down 
from  heaven,  and  returneth  not  thither,  but  watereth 
the  earth,  and  maketh  it  to  bring  forth  and  bud  ;  so 
let  thy  word  be  that  goeth  forth  out  of  thy  mouth : 
let  it  not  return  unto  thee  void,  but  accomplish  that 
which  pleases  thee,  and  prosper  in  the  thing  vv  hereto 
thou  hast  sent  it. 

Lord,  when  I  look  on  the  abundance  which  covers 
he  earth,  may  I  remember  those  moral  fields  that 


2:38 

are  white  already  to  the  harvest;  which  truly  is 
plenteous,  but  the  labourers  arc  few.  I  pray  thee, 
for  Christ's  sake,  send  forth  labourers,  who  shall 
gather  fruit  unto  life  eternal. 

Gracious  Father,  regard  in  mercy  those  who, 
unless  they  turn  from  the  error  of  their  ways,  may 
soon  take  up  the  lamentation — "The  harvest  is 
past,  the  summer  is  ended,  and  we  are  not  saved." 
Break  up  the  fallow  ground  of  their  hearts ,'  sow  in 
them  the  seed  of  truth ;  rain  righteousness  upon 
them ;  and  make  them  as  the  garden  of  the  Lord — 
for  thy  great  name's  sake. 

Swearing. — See  Profanity. 

TALENTS. 

Giver  of  Mercies,  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  com- 
mit to  me  various  talents,  which  thou  requirest  me 
to  occupy  until  thy  coming.  Thou  hast  given  me 
time,  property,  influence,  knowledge,  and  feeling, 
wherewith  to  advance  thy  glory,  and  to  promote 
human  welfare.  Lord,  let  me  not  be  as  the  wicked 
and  slothful  servant,  who  hid  his  talent  in  the  earth, 
and  vainly  sought  to  avert  the  doom  of  his  guilty  in- 
dolence. Alas,  how  have  the  faculties  and  opportu- 
nities thou  hast  in  mercy  given  me,  been  neglected, 
perverted,  and  abused.  Too  often  I  have  sought  my 
own  corrupt  pleasures,  instead  of  fulfilling  the  exalted 
and  ennobling  duties  thou  hast  set  before  me.  O 
give  me  an  ever-present  conviction,  that  the  means 
with  which  thou  hast  invested  me,  are  only  gifts  in 
trust,  which  thou  wilt  require  from  me  again  with 
usury.  Help  me,  I  beseech  thee,  so  to  understand 
and  employ  them,  that  in  the  great  day  of  reckon- 
ing, 1  may  receive  the  plaudit — "Well  done,  thou 
20* 


234 


g(X)cl  and  faithful  servant ;  thou  hast  been  faithful 
over  a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many 
things :  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 

TEACHERS. 

Lord,  bless  all  those  who,  in  their  various  spheres, 
have  taken  charge  of  the  important  business  of  in- 
struction. Dispose  and  enable  them  to  guide  the 
untutored  and  inquiring,  into  the  acquisition  of 
knowledge ;  and  fit  them  to  guard  from  evil,  and  to 
mould  for  good,  the  characters  of  those  who  are 
committed  to  their  care.  O  preserve  our  youth 
from  the  corrupting  and  destroying  evils  of  igno- 
rant and  immoral  instructors.  Inform  the  minds, 
and  sanctify  the  hearts  of  teachers.  Give  them  that 
wisdom  from  above  which  will  prepare  them  to  train 
their  pupils  in  the  highest  and  noblest  knowledge 
that  can  adorn  human  nature. — Multiply  the  facili- 
ties of  education  ;  put  them  within  the  reach  of  all 
classes ;  and  dispose  all  men  to  seek  the  intellectual, 
moral,  and  religious  culture  of  the  rising  generation. 

O  Lord,  vouchsafe,  for  the  sake  of  thy  dear  Son, 
.  thy  choicest  blessings  on  the  Teachei's  of  Sahhath- 
schools.  Give  unto  all  of  them  the  character,  and 
efficiency  which  are  needful  for  their  sacred  duties. 
Let  them  not  make  these  holy  efforts,  the  pastime  of 
the  Sabbath,  an  opiate  of  conscience,  or  a  service  to 
be  seen  of  men.  But  let  all  their  impulses  in  them, 
spring  from  love  to  God  and  love  to  man.  Imbue 
all  their  thoughts  and  labours  in  this  work,  with  a 
supreme  regard  for  thy  glory  and  human  welfare. 
While  they  take  pleasure  in  every  lesser  degree  of 
success,  O  make  the  conversion  of  souls  their  stead- 
fast and  absorbing  aim ! 

Impress  on  their  minds,  the  priceless  value,  the 


235 


high  dignity,  the  solemn  obligations,  and  the  glorious 
reward  of  their  office.  Show  them  that  it  relates  to 
the  worth  of  the  soul ;  that  it  is  kindred  in  its  sym- 
pathies with  the  love  of  Jesus;  that  its  responsibili- 
ties lake  hold  of  eternal  issues ;  and  that  its  faithful 
discharge  will  make  them  as  the  brightness  of  the 
firmament,  and  as  the  stars,  for  ever  and  ever  ! 

Great  God,  give  them  an  experimental  knowledge 
of  that  salvation  which  is  the  great  and  final  object 
of  the  system. — May  all  their  duties  in  it  be  begun, 
continued,  and  ended  in  earnest  prayer,  and  with 
entire  dependence,  and  unwavering  reliance  on  the 
ministrations  of  the  Holy  Spirit. — Give  them  those 
preparations  of  the  heart,  and  that  answer  of  the 
tongue,  which  are  from  thee  ;  and  grant  them  a 
mouth  and  wisdom,  by  which  they  may  persuade 
their  youthful  charge  in  the  things  concerning  the 
kingdom  of  God. — Make  them  able  ministers  of  the 
New  Testament ;  and  let  thy  word  dwell  in  them 
richly  in  all  wisdom,  that  they  may  be  thoroughly 
furnished  in  their  good  work. — Make  them  fervent 
in  spirit,  that  they  may  teach  diligently,  the  things 
of  the  Lord. — Cause  their  example  to  adorn  the  doc- 
trine of  God,  their  Saviour,  and  to  allure  those 
whom  they  teach,  into  the  same  path  of  obedience. 

Lord,  dispose  them  to  avail  themselves  of  the  va- 
rious helps  which  the  wise  and  good  have  furnished 
for  their  cause ;  and  let  them  not  grudge  the  lime, 
and  toil,  and  cost  which  are  necessary  to  prepare 
them  to  meet  and  instruct  their  classes. — Let  the 
spirit  of  affection  manifest  itself  in  all  their  mea- 
sures ;  and  may  they  seek  to  draw  their  pupils  with 
the  cords  of  love  and  the  bands  of  a  man. — Make 
them  patient  in  every  trial  which  they  may  encoun- 
ter, through  failure,  or  ignorance,  or  vice,  or  enmi- 


236 


ty. — Let  them  be  punctual  in  all  the  appointments  of 
the  school ;  redeeming  the  time,  because  the  days 
are  evil. — Let  them  not  be  satisfied  with  filling  up 
the  brief  hours  allotted  to  instruction  in  the  school- 
room ;  but  may  it  be  their  pleasure  (as  it  is  their 
duty)  to  visit  the  homes  of  their  scholars  ;  and,  while 
they  minister  a  word  in  season,  secure  and  strength- 
en the  good-will  of  both  parents  and  children.  Make 
them  wise  to  know,  and  skil  ful  to  use  the  influences 
which  mould  human  character  and  conduct. — Let 
all  the  mutual  relations  of  teachers  be  governed  by 
the  fellowship  of  saints. — Sufl?er  none  to  draw  back 
in  weariness  or  discouragement  from  these  precious 
duties ;  but  do  thou  make  them  always  abound  in 
this  work  of  the  Lord. — O  Lord,  grant  that  the  eye 
of  their  faith  may  ever  be  fixed  on  that  promise — 
"  In  due  season  ye  shall  reap,  if  ye  faint  not ;"  and 
that  the  ear  of  their  hope  may  ever  listen  to  that 
verdict — "  Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of 
the  least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto 
me." 

Gracious  God,  give  them  abundant  success  in 
their  labours.  Make  them  leading  instruments  in 
spreading  divine  knowledge,  enlarging  missionary 
efforts,  sanctifying  thy  church,  promoting  revivals 
of  religion,  and  regenerating  the  world. 

TEMPER. 

Lord,  sanctify  my  temper.  Preserve  me  from 
peevishness,  envy,  anger,  revenge,  and  malice.  Ena- 
ble me  10  maintain  an  unruffled  spirit  amid  the  vex- 
ations of  circumstances,  and  the  ])rovocations  of  my 
fellow-creatures.  May  that  wisdom  from  above, 
which  is  peaceable,  gentle,  and  easy  to  be  entreated, 
be  the  governing  influence  of  my  life,  and  lead  me 


237 


to  seek  the  fruit  of  righteousness,  which  is  sown  in 
peace  of  them  that  make  peace.  Enable  me  to  imi- 
tate the  quiet  meekness  of  him  who  Uved  as  our 
example,  as  well  as  died  as  our  Redeemer.  Lord, 
keep  me  from  those  occasional  or  habitual  excite- 
ments of  temper  which  rob  my  comfort  of  mind, 
dishonour  my  profession  of  thy  name,  and  turn  away 
thy  precious  favour.  Vouchsafe  unto  me,  O  God, 
the  continual  presence  of  that  ornament  of  a  meek 
and  quiet  spirit,  which  in  thy  sight  is  of  great 
price. 

Temperance. — See  Intemperance. 

TEMPTATION. 

Great  God,  make  me  realize  that  T  live  in  con- 
stant danger  of  temptations  from  foes  without  and 
enemies  within.  Satan,  with  his  countless  wiles — my 
own  heart,  with  its  selfdeceit  and  sensuality — the 
world,  with  its  many  lures — each  seeks  to  draw 
me  from  the  paths  of  duty,  and  to  lead  me  in  the 
ways  of  unrighteousness.  Lord,  thou  hast,  indeed, 
purposes  of  wisdom  in  suffering  me  to  be  thus  sub- 
ject to  temptation.  Thou  canst  overrule  it  for  my 
conformity  to  Christ,  who  was  in  all  points  tempted 
like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin.  It  is  in  such  sea- 
sons, O  Most  High,  that  thy  strength  is  made  perfect 
in  our  weakness ;  and  that  we  are  enabled  to  glory 
in  our  infirmities,  that  the  povvcr  of  Christ  may  rest 
on  us.  And  thou  often  givest  us,  in  mercy,  the 
messengers  of  Satan,  to  buffet  us,  lest  we  be  exalted 
above  measure.  They  that  are  tried,  and  found 
faithful,  shall  receive  a  crown  of  life,  which  the  Lord 
hath  promised  to  them  that  love  him. 

Heavenly  Father,  make  thy  grace  sufficient  for 


238 

me  in  every  season  of  trial — in  the  hour  of  adversi- 
ty— in  the  day  of  prosperity — in  the  period  when 
exemption  from  temptation  has  left  me  open  to  seduc- 
tion— and  when  the  abounding  consolations  of  thy 
Spirit  have  been  perverted  into  heedlessness  towards 
the  spiritual  dangers  which  beset  me.  Give  me  wis- 
dom to  discover,  and  strength  to  resist,  the  approach 
of  evil.  May  I  watch  unto  prayer,  knowing  that  thou 
art  a  very  present  help  in  every  hour  of  need ;  and 
that  thou  wilt  with  the  temptation  also  make  a  way 
of  escape  for  all  that  are  of  thy  heritage. — Lord, 
carry  me  safel}^  through  every  danger,  and  in  thine 
own  time,  give  me  an  inheritance  among  those  who 
have  come  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have  wash- 
ed their  robes,  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of 
the  Lamb. 

THANKSGIVING. 

Lord,  I  bring  unto  thee  the  sacrifice  of  thanksgiv- 
ing ;  for  thou  art  the  Father  of  Lights,  from  whom 
cometh  every  good  and  perfect  gift.''  I  desire  to 
praise  thee  for  the  multitude  of  thy  favours,  and  to 
acknowledge  that  1  have  not  deserved  even  the  least 
of  them.  I  would  magnify  thee  for  thy  providing, 
sparing,  forgiving,  and  saving  mercies.  J  bless  thee 
for  the  various  powers  of  my  body,  the  faculties  of 
my  mind,  and  the  affections  of  my  heart ;  for  health 
and  employment ;  for  food  and  clothing  ;  for  social 
happiness  and  pubHc  safety.  I  thank  thee  for  pre- 
serving me  in  the  weakness  and  diseases  of  child- 
hood, and  conducting  me  over  the  slippery  paths  of 
youth,  and  protecting  me  amid  the  dangers  of  riper 
years.  Thou  hast  indeed  made  my  life,  which 
ought,  in  justice,  to  have  been  a  wilderness,  to  bud 
and  blossom  as  the  rose.     My  trials  have  been  £ew 


289 


and  short ;  while  my  mercies  have  been   without 
number  and  without  end. 

But,  O  Lord,  I  would  thank  thee  for  the  blessings 
of  the  gospel,  more  than  for  every  thing  else.  O 
what  a  rich  cluster  of  gifts  is  offered  to  us  in  the 
grace  that  bringeth  salvation.  Thou  hast  given  us 
the  Bible,  the  preached  word,  the  privilege  of  prayer, 
the  ordinances  of  thy  house,  the  Son  of  God,  the 
influences  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  hope  of  glory. 
Lord,  teach  me  the  value  of  thy  bounties.  Strengthen 
my  memory  that  I  may  retain  a  knowledge  of  them. 
Fill  my  heart  with  gratitude  and  love,  because  of 
thine  unnumbered,  unmerited  blessings.  May  they 
lead  me  to  repentance,  humility,  and  faith,  and  to 
consecrate  them  and  myself  to  thy  service  and 
glory- 

THEFT. 

Blessed  God,  cause  all  dishonesty  to  cease  from 
the  face  of  the  earth.  Let  men  no  longer  unjustly 
hinder  their  neighbour's  wealth  or  outward  estate. 
Destroy  that  spirit  of  covetousness  which  urges  man- 
kind to  fraud,  robbery,  and  oppression,  and  to  be 
partakers  of  unholy  gain.  Do  thou  cause  the  prin- 
ciples of  strict  and  impartial  honesty  to  govern  the 
relations  of  commerce,  and  of  master  and  servant. 
Give  currency  and  influence,  I  pray  thee,  to  that 
blessed  rule,  of  doing  unto  others  as  we  would  they 
should  do  unto  us. 

Lord,  keep  me  from  indulging  in  any  form  of  dis- 
honesty. Make  me  just  to  all  the  lawful  interests  of 
my  fellows.  Let  me  never  desire  to  increase  my 
own  substance  at  their  expense  ;  nor  to  withhold 
from  any,  however  humble  or  unworthy,  the  debts 
of  justice  and   humanity.      Incline  me  always  to 


240 

rejoice  in  the  good  of  my  neighbour,  and  to  walk 
uprightly,  and  work  righteousness. 

TIME. — See  Life, 

TONGUE. 

Lord,  make  my  voice  a  testimony  of  praise  unto 
thee,  and  an  organ  of  wisdom  and  love  unto  men. 
Dispose  me  to  speak  of  thine  excellent  goodness,  to 
confess  my  manifold  transgressions,  and  to  suppli- 
cate thy  satisfying  mercies.  Give  me  grace  to  pro- 
claim and  defend  thy  word.  Make  me  an  advocate 
of  the  innocent  and  the  oppressed.  Incline  me  to  en- 
courage that  which  is  good,  and  to  reprove  that 
which  is  evil.  May  I  seek  useful  knowledge,  with 
the  purpose  of  teaching  it  to  others.  And,  Lord,  I 
would  fervently  implore  thee,  for  Christ's  sake,  that 
I  may  be  led  to  persuade  men  to  be  reconciled  to 
thee,  by  the  death  of  thy  Son. 

Great  Author  of  Goodness,  I  thank  thee  for  the 
gift  of  speech.  But,  O,  I  desire  to  realize  that  it  is 
an  instrument  whose  uses  are  fearfully  abused.  How 
often,  alas  !  does  the  tongue  become  an  unruly  mem- 
ber, and  full  of  deadly  poison  ;  producing  envying 
and  strife,  confusion  and  every  evil  work.  Set  a 
watch,  O  Lord,  before  my  mouth,  and  keep  the  door 
of  my  lips.  Keep  my  tongue  from  evil,  and  my  lips 
from  speaking  guile.  Thou  hast  said,  that  if  any 
man  seem  to  be  religious,  and  bridleth  not  his 
tongue,  he  deceiveth  his  own  heart,  and  his  religion 
is  vain.  Enable  me  to  bring  forth  good  things  out 
of  the  good  treasure  of  the  heart ;  and  let  my  words 
be  of  the  uprightness  of  my  heart.  Put  away  from 
me  all  bitterness  and  evil  speaking ;  and  let  no  cor- 
rupt communication  proceed  out  of  my  mouth,  but 


241 

that  which  is  good,  to  the  use  of  edifying,  that  it  may 
minister  grace  unto  the  hearers. — [See  Slander.] 


Heavenly  Father,  bless  the  efforts  which  are  made 
to  spread  thy  truth,  by  means  of  tracts.  It  was  in 
this  form  thou  didst  first  cause  to  be  gathered  the 
words  of  wisdom,  which  holy  men  spake  of  old,  as 
they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  As  thou 
didst  then  set  the  seal  of  thy  favour  on  such  instru- 
ments, so  thou  art  now  using  them  as  means  of 
turning  sinners  from  death  to  life. 

Lord,  bless  those  societies,  in  our  own  and  other 
countries,  which  have  undertaken  to  promote,  in  this 
way,  the  welfare  of  thy  kingdom.  Give  them  wis- 
dom and  grace  in  all  their  measures.  May  they  be 
sustained  by  the  prayers,  and  gifts,  and  labours  of 
thy  people.  O  that  all  the  children  of  Zion  would 
feelingly  understand  the  power  of  the  press  in  fur- 
nishing these  leaves  for  the  healing  of  the  nations. 
I  thank  thee  for  the  influence  which  has  been  given 
to  them  in  heathen  lands,  and  for  the  rich  promises 
which  the  signs  of  the  times  afford,  as  to  their  future 
usefulness,  both  at  home  and  abroad.  I  pray  thee, 
multiply  their  number,  and  send  them  to  all  the 
dark  places  of  the  earth,  as  winged  messengers,  pro- 
claiming the  everlasting  gospel. 

Lord,  extend  and  bless  their  circulation  in  our  own 
land.  Grant  thy  rich  favour  to  the  monthly  distri- 
bution, wherever  it  is  sustained ;  and  do  thou  cause 
it  to  be  established  in  every  community  in  our 
country.  May  all  who  have  undertaken  that  plan 
of  benevolence,  connect  with  it  personal  efforts  for 
the  conversion  of  souls.  While  they  supply  the 
temporal  wants  of  the  poor,  and  give  the  Bible  to  the 
21 


242 


destitute,  and  gather  neglected  children  into  Sunday- 
schools,  and  seek  to  stay  the  desolations  of  intem- 
perance, O  may  they  realize  that  their  great  work, 
in  connexion  with  their  tract  distribution,  is  to  labour 
personally  and  faithfully,  for  the  salvation  of  those 
with  whom  they  are  thus  brought  in  contact.  Sanc- 
tion abundantly,  all  such  efforts,  by  the  enlighten- 
ing, convincing,  and  converting  power  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

TRINITY. 

Great  God,  cause  my  understanding  to  acknow- 
ledge, and  my  heart  to  adore  the  mystery  of  the  Fa- 
ther, Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  who  are  the  same  in 
substance,  equal  in  power  and  glory,  and  who  con- 
stitute the  infinite,  eternal  and  unchangeable  God- 
head. Lord,  let  not  my  feeble  and  erring  judg- 
ment stagger  at  nor  exalt  itself  against  the  testimony 
of  thy  word  :  but  what  thou  hast  revealed,  that  may 
I  receive  with  a  willing  mind.  O  do  thou  enable 
me  to  receive  the  Father  in  all  the  fulness  of  his 
love — the  Son,  in  all  the  riches  of  his  atonement — 
and  the  Spirit,  in  all  the  sanctifying  power  of  his 
grace. 

God  of  Truth,  banish  that  heresy,  which  in  the 
pride  of  human  reason,  would  vainly  seek  to  pervert 
the  doctrine  of  the  Unity  of  the  Godhead,  so  as  to 
destroy  the  belief  of  the  glorious  Trinity.  May  all 
men  learn  that  there  are  three  that  bear  record 
in  heaven,  and  that  these  three  are  one.  May  they 
honour  the  Son  even  as  they  honour  the  Father; 
and  worship  that  Spirit  whose  ministrations  are  life 
because  of  righteousness. 


Trust. — See  Confidence. 


243 


TRUTH. 


Heavenly  Father,  dispel  every  form  of  error  by 
the  power  of  uncorrupied  truth.  Lord,  thy  word  is 
truth.  Give  it,  therefore,  free  course,  that  it  may  be 
glorified  in  redeeming  the  corrupt  and  wandering 
minds  of  men,  from  the  deceptions  of  prejudice  and 
error.  Bring  all  mankind  to  a  knowledge  of  it,  and 
especially  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  which  only 
is  able  to  make  them  wise  unto  salvation.  Instruct 
them  in  that  mystery  which  was  hid  from  ages  and 
from  generations,  but  now  is  made  manifest  to  the 
saints  ;  which  is  Christ,  in  them,  the  hope  of  glory. 

Lord,  assist  me  to  love  thy  truth,  and  to  seek  its 
promotion,  even  though  it  may  cover  me  with  rebuke 
and  shame.  May  it  turn  me  from  every  refuge 
of  lies,  and  bring  me  to  trust  in  thee  with  all  my 
heart.  May  sincerity  dwell  in  my  soul,  and  truth 
have  its  image  in  my  heart,  and  verity  be  found  on 
my  lips.  Teach  me  to  abhor  deceit  in  every  possi- 
ble form.  May  I  remember  that  nothing  can  enter 
the  holy  city,  that  maketh  or  loveth  a  lie ;  and  that 
the  lip  of  truth  shall  be  established  for  ever-;' — [See 
Falsehood.] 

Great  God,  thou  art  the  fountain  of  untarnished 
truth,  and  with  thee  there  is  no  variableness  nor 
shadow  of  turning.  No  stain  of  deceit  has  ever  cast 
a  shadow  on  the  purity  of  thy  purposes  and  deal- 
ings. Though  the  mountains  depart,  and  the  hills 
be  removed,  thy  kindness  doth  not  depart  from  thee  ; 
neither  is  the  covenant  of  thy  peace  removed.  Thy 
word  is  the  counsels  of  faithfulness ;  thy  promises 
are  all  Yea  and  Amen  ;  and  thy  threatenings,  though 
they  be  not  speedily  executed,  shall  be  fulfilled  in 
righteousness.     O  Lord,  give  me  such  a  persuasion 


244 

of  thy  faithfulness,  as  shall  encourage  and  strength- 
en my  heart  in  every  endurance  of  trial  and  per- 
formance of  duty.  Help  me  to  commit  the  keeping 
of  my  soul  unto  thee,  in  well-doing,  as  unto  a  faith- 
ful Creator. 

UNBELIEF. 

Adorable  Jehovah,  I  beseech  thee,  let  there  not 
be  in  me  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief,  in  departing  from 
the  living  God.  Assist  me  to  know  and  feel  that 
this  sin  dishonours  thy  glorious  name,  thy  precious 
word,  and  thy  righteous  providence.  Make  me  feel 
that  it  shuts  out  the  light  of  thy  countenance,  and 
brings  the  darkness  of  spiritual  ignorance  and  death 
over  my  soul.  O  may  I  reflect  on  the  doom  of  him 
that  believeth  not,  and  is  condemned  already.  Ena- 
ble me  to  watch  unto  prayer,  against  this  destroying 
evil.  Protect  me  from  the  influences  which  lead  to 
it — from  Satan,  from  ignorance,  from  pride,  and 
from  sensuality.  Lord,  redeem  me  from  its  power, 
by  the  teachings  of  thy  word  and  Spirit.  Give  my 
judgment  a  clear  perception  of  truth,  and  bring  my 
affections  into  submission  to  thy  will :  and  then, 
thanks  be  to  thy  name,  I  shall  believe  with  my  heart 
unto  righteousness,  and  praise  thee  in  the  obedience 
of  faith.  Lord,  I  would  believe;  help  thou  mine  un- 
belief.— [See  Faith.] 

UNDERSTANDING. 

Omniscient  Jehovah,  I  thank  thee  for  the  gift  of 
my  understanding,  by  which  I  may  acquire  know- 
ledge, and  without  which  I  should  be  ignorant  of  thy 
law,  and  should  live  as  the  brutes  that  perish.  I  pray 
thee,  in  the  name  of  the  Heavenly  Advocate,  that 
thou  wouldst  make  me  feel  the  solemn  responsibili- 


245 


ties  which  belong  to  the  noble  faculty  of  reason. 
Let  not  ignorance,  nor  prejudice,  nor  depravity  con- 
trol its  exercises.  Preserve  it  from  error,  and  guide 
it  into  the  knowledge  of  truth.  Make  it  a  storehouse 
of  useful  knowledge.  Direct  its  energies  chiefly 
towards  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above.  Grant 
me  enlarged  and  discriminating  views  of  thy  charac- 
ter, works,  and  will.  Dispose  me,  Great  God,  to 
submit  my  judgment  to  the  tokens  of  thy  mind  in  all 
things ;  for  thine  understanding  is  infinite. 

UNION. 

Shepherd  of  Israel,  teach  thy  people  how  good 
and  pleasant  a  thing  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  to- 
gether in  unity.  It  is  as  the  dew  that  descended  on 
the  mountains  of  Zion  :  there  the  Lord  commanded 
the  blessing,  even  life  for  ever  more.  May  they 
rnourn  over  the  sectarian  walls  that  divide  thy  church, 
and  the  unkindness  and  strife  that  so  often  prevail 
among  those  who  bear  the  same  party  name.  May 
they  lament  over  the  sectional  feelings  which  alien- 
ate the  members  of  different  communions,  and  that 
bigotry  of  judgment  which  forbids  the  universal  fel- 
lowship of  saints. 

O  Lord,  why  should  there  be  any  other  test  of 
brotherhood  than  that  of  union  to  Christ  ?  Why 
should  the  children  of  adoption  treat  each  other  as 
strangers  and  foreigners  ?  Why  should  those  who 
expect  to  be  joint-heirs  of  the  inheritance  of  heaven, 
refjse  fellowship  with  each  other  on  earth  ?  O  God 
of  Love,  rebuke  every  spirit  of  dissension.  Bring 
together  all  scattered  fragments  of  thy  church,  and 
bind  them  by  that  charity  which  is  the  bond  of  per- 
fectness.  As  there  is  but  one  shepherd,  so  let  there 
be  but  one  fold.  As  there  is  but  one  king,  so  let 
21* 


246 


there  be  but  one  dominion.  Let  the  heritage  of  God 
be  a  household  of  faith,  that  shall  stand  fast  in  one 
spirit,  with  one  mind  striving  together  for  the  faith 
of  the  gospel.  Lord,  cause  the  unity  of  the  spirit  to 
bring  together  all  thy  followers  in  the  bond  of  peace  ; 
that  they  may  be  one,  even  as  the  Father  and  Son 
are  One. 

USEFULNESS. 

God  of  Salvation,  I  would  ask  thee  in  the  name 
of  thy  dear  Son,  to  dispose  me  to  do  good  as  I  have 
opportunity ;  for  with  such  sacrifices  thou  art  well- 
pleased.  May  1  remember  that  every  tree  that  bring- 
oth  not  forth  good  fruit  is  hewn  down,  and  cast  into 
the  fire.  Thou  hast  placed  me  in  the  garden  of  thy 
providence,  not  merely  that  I  should  gather  fruit  for 
myself,  but  for  others  also.  Thou  hast  put  me  into 
the  fruitful  field  of  thy  grace,  not  that  I  might  obtain 
food  for  myself  onl)'-,  but  also  that  I  might  give  the 
bread  of  life  to  others.  Christ  has  not  died  for  me 
that  I  should  live  unto  myself,  but  unto  him  in  the 
spirit  of  his  gospel,  which  is  good-will  to  men.  Teach 
me,  O  Lord,  that  life  does  not  consist  so  much  in 
length  of  days,  as  in  the  multitude  of  our  acts  of 
justice  and  mercy  to  mankind.  I  pray  thee,  direct 
me  to  such  means  and  objects  of  good-will,  as  shall 
qualify  me  to  be  a  follower  of  Jesus,  who  went  about 
doing  good.  Lead  me  to  supply  the  wants  of  the 
needy,  to  comfort  the  distresses  of  the  afflicted,  and 
to  remove  the  causes  of  misfortune  and  guilt.  Ena- 
ble me  to  instruct  the  ignorant,  to  reprove  the  wick- 
ed, to  strengthen  the  good,  and  to  win  souls  from  the 
mazes  of  error  and  sin,  to  the  ways  of  truth  and 
.holiness* 


247 


WATCHFULNESS. 

Lord,  instruct  me  in  the  nature  of  the  clangers  by 
which  I  am  beset,  and  make  me  ever  watchful  against 
their  open  or  secret  influences.  Make  me  vigilant 
against  the  corruptions  of  my  own  heart — its  love  of 
indulgence,  of  riches,  and  of  display.  Inspire  me 
with  carefulness  in  my  intercourse  with  the  world, 
lest  it  draw  me  aside  into  the  paths  of  vanity  and  sin. 
Enable  me  to  watch  against  the  temptations  of  satan^ 
who  is  the  adversary  of  the  soul,  and  seeks  its  de- 
struction by  countless  stratagems.  May  my  loins  be 
girt  about,  and  my  light  be  burning;  and  may  1  re- 
ceive the  blessing  of  those  servants,  whom,  when  the 
Lord  Cometh,  he  shall  find  watching. 

WICKED. — See  Sinners. 

WIDOWHOOD. 

Lord,  regard  in  mercy  her  from  whom  thou  hast 
taken   her  earthly    stay  and  comfort.     Thou   hast 
indeed  stricken  her  in  her  dearest  and  tenderest  ties. 
The  light  of  her  eyes,  the  counsellor  of  her  mind, 
the  helper  of  her  weakness,  the  soother  of  her  sor- 
rows, the  partner  of  her  joys — thou  hast  removed, 
without  the  hope  of  return.     But  thou  art  the  hus- 
band of  the  widow,  and  the  father  of  the  fatherless. 
O  may  her  desolate  heart  trust  in  thee  above  every 
human  refuge,  and  realize  that  thou  art  able  by  thy 
power  and  willing  in  thy  mercy  to  heal  her  griefs, 
and  supply  her  need.     Pour  thou  the  oil  of  consola- 
tion into  her  bereaved  and  aching  bosom,  and  cause 
her  heart  to  sing  for  joy,  because  of  thy  comforts. 
Raise  up  for  her  those  whose  sympathies  will  cheer 
her  wounded  spirit,  whose  counsels  will  encourage 


248 


her  sinking  hopes,  and  whose  help  will  assist  her  in 
struggling  with  a  selfish  and  unfeeling  world.  Pro- 
tect her  from  unkindness  and  oppression.  Open  up 
for  her  a  pathway  of  peace  and  plenty. 

Blessed  Jesus,  make  her  thine  in  the  espousals  of 
thy  love.  Thou  canst  be  more  unto  her  than  he 
whose  cherished  presence  and  affection  she  has  lost. 
Thou  art  able  to  turn  her  darkness  into  light,  her 
grief  into  joy,  and  her  want  into  abundance.  Thou 
canst  teach  her  in  the  day  of  her  afflicting  visitation 
the  things  which  belong  to  her  peace,  and  make  the 
time  of  her  earthly  loss  the  season  of  her  eternal 
gain.  Be  thou  unto  her  the  chief  among  ten  thou- 
sand, and  one  altogether  lovely.  Say  unto  her, 
"  Fear  not,  I  am  with  thee ;  T,  even  I,  am  he  that 
comforteth  thee :  thy  Maker  is  thy  husband." 

WILL. 

Sovereign  of  the  Universe,  sanctify  my  will.  Give 
it  grace  always  to  choose  that  which  is  good,  and 
reject  that  which  is  evil.  I  would  lament  before  thee 
its  proneness  to  forsake  thy  holy  law,  and  to  follow 
after  selfish  pleasure.  That  faculty  which  thou  didst 
put  within  me,  to  guide  me  to  righteous  obedience, 
alas!  how  often  does  it  urge  me  on  to  unholy  rebel- 
lion. Lord,  restore  it  to  that  strength  and  purity 
which  it  enjoyed  when  thou  didst  first  send  forth  man 
from  thy  creating  power,  in  thine  own  blessed  image. 
O  let  me  not  choose  any  thing  that  is  opposed  to  thy 
holy  will.  Cleanse  thou  the  fountain  of  my  desires, 
and  make  it  as  a  well  of  living  water,  springing  up 
into  everlasting  life. 


249 


WILL  or  GOD. — See  Obedience,  Submission, 

WINTER. 

Lord,  who  can  stand  before  thy  cold?  Thou  givest 
snow  like  wool,  and  scatterest  the  hoar-frost  like 
ashes.  By  thy  breath  the  breadth  of  the  waters  is 
straitened.  The  singing  of  birds  has  yielded  to  the 
sighing  of  winds  and  the  howling  of  tempests.  The 
trees  which  once  hung  out  their  garments  of  verdure 
and  ornaments  of  fruit,  to  please  the  eye  and  regale 
the  taste  of  man,  now  spread  their  naked  and  un- 
siglitly  limbs  over  a  barren  landscape  ;  and  the  earth 
that  lately  teemed  with  the  beauty  and  abundance  of 
life,  is  now  wrapped  in  the  cold  winding-sheet  of 
nature. 

Yet,  O  Lord,  let  me  not  be  heedless  of  thy  mercy 
and  wisdom  in  the  arrangements  of  even  these  gloomy 
months.  In  the  midst  of  all  this  barrenness,  thou 
preservest  the  life  of  man  and  beast.  Behold  the 
fowls  of  the  air,  which  neither  sow,  nor  reap,  nor 
gather  into  barns;  yet  our  Heavenly  Father  feedeth 
them.  These  seeming  desolations  are  the  repose  of 
nature  ;  and  thou  art  keeping  in  safety  beneath  them, 
the  germs  of  seed-time  and  the  promise  of  harvest. 
In  due  time  thou  wilt  bring  forth,  refreshed  and  re- 
newed by  the  sleep  of  winter,  the  green  herb,  the 
waving  leaf,  the  smiling  flower,  and  tiie  rushing  wa- 
ters, to  cheer  and  bless  the  heart  of  man,  and  praise 
and  magnify  the  greatness  of  God. 

Merciful  Father,  I  thank  thee  for  the  abundant 
food,  the  convenient  raiment,  and  the  protecting  home 
I  enjoy  in  the  inclemency  that  surrounds  me.  May 
the  rigours  of  the  season  be  strong  and  unfailing 
motives  for  gratitude  to  God   and  mercy  to  man. 


250 

Cause  my  heart  to  abound  with  pity  to  the  destitute. 
Let  me  not  say  to  them,  with  heartless  charity,  "Be 
ye  warmed  and  filled  ;"  and  notwithstanding,  give 
them  not  those  tilings  which  are  needful  for  the  body. 
Dispose  me  to  open  my  hand  to  the  needy — remem- 
bering that  thou  hast  said,  "  Blessed  is  he  that  con- 
sidereth  the  poor." 

Lord,  may  I  regard  this  season  as  the  emblem  of 
adversity.  Life  is  indeed  not  all  sunshine,  and  plea- 
sure, and  plenty.  It  has  its  days  and  months  of 
darkness,  and  sorrow,  and  want.  O  prepare  me  by 
the  grace  that  is  derived  through  Jesus,  tor  its  sever- 
est vicissitudes.  Make  me  feel  that  I  deserve  to  have 
my  joys  withered  and  my  hopes  blasted ;  and  that 
thou  wilt  be  fulfilling  only  the  dictates  of  merciful 
justice,  if  thou  shouldst  at  times  withhold  thy  favour 
and  visit  me  with  thy  frown,  in  this  world,  that  thou 
mayest  save  me  from  destruction  in  the  world  to 
come. 

Teach  me  to  look  on  Winter  as  the  type  of  the 
grave.  As  thou  buriest  the  beauty  and  excellence  of 
the  earth  in  its  icy  shroud,  so  thou  hidest  the  gene- 
rations of  men  beneath  the  clods  of  the  valley.  And 
as  thou  wilt  bring  forth  from  this  tomb  of  the  year, 
the  fertile  beauty  of  the  spring ;  so  thou  wilt  bring 
up  from  the  long  desolation  of  death,  that  which  was 
sown  in  dishonour,  that  it  may  be  raised  in  glory ! 
Lord,  grant  that  in  the  renewing  power  of  that  great 
day,  I  may  share  in  the  resurrection  of  the  just,  and 
enjoy  the  light  of  thy  countenance  and  the  bliss  of 
thy  love  for  ever! 

WISDOM. 

Lord,  thou  hast  said  that  if  any  man  lack  wisdom, 
et  him  ask  of  thee,  and  it  shall   be  friven   him.     I 


251 


would  come  before  thee,  Merciful  Father,  feeling  the 
weakness  of  my  judgment,  and  its  unfitness,  wiihout 
strength  from  ihee,  to  discharge  aright  the  various 
duties  of  life.  I  pray  thee  keep  my  understanding 
from  error,  fill  it  with  knowledge,  and  govern  it  by 
prudence.  Especially  do  thou  give  me  that  wisdom 
which  is  from  above,  which  is  first  pure,  then  peace- 
able, gentle,  easy  to  be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and 
good  fruits,  without  partiality,  and  without  hypocri- 
sy. Vouchsafe  unto  me  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and 
revelation  in  the  knowledge  of  Jesus,  that  the  eyes 
of  my  understanding  being  enlightened,  I  may  know 
what  is  the  hope  of  his  calling,  and  what  the  riches 
of  the  glory  of  his  inheritance  in  the  saints. 

WISDOM   OF  GOD. 

Great  God,  who  hath  been  thy  counsellor,  or  who 
hath  directed  thy  judgment  1  Lo,  thou  workest  all 
things  according  to  the  counsels  of  thine  own  will. 
O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works:  in  wisdom 
thou  hast  made  them  all.  Thy  discerning  and  di- 
recting mind  is  seen  every  where  in  the  works  of 
thy  hands,  in  the  ways  of  thy  providence,  and  in  the 
government  of  thy  creatures.  Thou  choosest  thine 
ends,  and  framest  all  thy  means  according  to  know- 
ledge. Thy  counsels  are  steadfast,  thy  thoughts  are 
deep,  and  thine  understanding  is  infinite. 

O  Lord,  thou  hast  gathered,  as  into  a^ radiant  focus, 
the  power  and  glory  of  thy  wisdom  in  the  work  of 
redemption.  Into  this  the  angels  desire  to  look;  but 
they  cannot  measure  its  matchless  strength  and  ful- 
ness. Herein  are  those  mysteries  of  thy  grace— 
God  manifest  in  the  flesh — he  who  knew  no  sin 
was  made  sin  for  us — while  ice  were  sinners  Christ 
died  for  lis — thou  canst  be  just,  and  still  be  the 


252 

justifier  of  him  that  believeth  in  Jesus  !  O,  the 
depth  of  the  riches  both  of  the  wisdom  and  know- 
ledge of  God  :  how  unsearchable  are  his  judgments 
and  his  ways  past  finding  out. 

Omniscient  Jehovah,  I  desire  to  put  all  my  trust  in 
thee ;  for  thou  knowest  both  how  to  provide  and  to 
deliver.  I  would  acknowledge  thee  with  prayer  in 
all  my  ways;  for  thou  only  canst  direct  my  steps. 
I  would  submit  to  thy  will,  which  is  the  perfection  of 
reason.  And  I  would  adore  thee,  because  thou  art 
infinite,  eternal,  and  unchangeable  in  thy  wisdom  ! 

WORD. — See  Scriptures. 

WORLD. 

Lord,  keep  me  from  conformity  to  the  world. 
May  I  use  it  as  not  abusing  it ;  having  my  affections 
set  on  things  above,  and  not  on  things  on  the  earth. 
Show  me  that  its  pleasures  are  few  in  number,  brief 
in  existence,  unsatisfying  in  their  nature,  and  cor- 
rupting in  their  influence.  Let  me  not  seek  to  unite 
the  service  of  God  and  mammon.  Lord,  I  would 
love  and  hold  to  thee,  and  hate  and  despise  the  other. 
O,  what  is  a  man  profited  if  he  should  gain  the  whole 
world,  and  lose  his  own  soul?  Assist  me,  I  pray 
thee,  to  pass  the  time  of  my  sojourning  here  in  fear, 
knowing  that  it  is  a  sphere  of  danger,  in  which  my 
heart  is  tempted  to  wander  from  God,  to  forget  eter- 
nity, to  neglect  my  noblest  duties,  and  to  live  in 
sense  and  sin.  I  cannot,  and  indeed  I  should  not 
desire  to  withdraw  from  the  business  of  the  world, 
and  from  intercouse  with  worldly  men ;  but  I  be- 
seech thee,  O  Lord,  that  thou  wouldst  abide  with  me 
on  all  those  occasions  which  require  me  to  mingle 
with  such  scenes  and  companions.     Teach  me  thy 


253 

way,  and  lead  me  in  a  plain  path,  for  the  sake  ofmy 
own  purity  and  the  welfare  of  them  that  observe  me. 
Let  me  not  pollute  my  own  soul,  by  being  a  par- 
taker of  ungodliness.  Make  me  an  epistle  of  Christ, 
known  and  read  of  all  men.  May  my  words  be  fitly 
spoken,  and  my  conduct  be  according  to  godliness. 
Give  me  grace  to  walk  in  wisdom  to  them  that  are 
without,  persuading  them  to  taste  and  see  that  the 
Lord  is  good,  and  teaching  them  that  religion's  ways 
are  ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths  are 
peace. 

WORSHIP. 

Adorable  Jehovah,  thou  art  exalted  above  princi- 
palities and  powers,  that  at  thy  name  every  knee 
should  bow,  and  every  tongue  confess.  AH  thy 
works  praise  thee.  Bestow  on  me,  in  the  name  of 
Jesus,  that  grace  which  will  qualify  me  to  worship 
thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  Let  me  not  seek  to  draw 
nigh  to  thee  with  my  lips,  while  my  heart  is  far  from 
thee ;  nor  take  the  attitude  of  devotion,  while  my 
thoughts  wander  among  the  cares  and  pleasures  of 
life.  May  strong  convictions  of  thy  greatness  and 
presence  rest  upon  me,  and  make  me  suitably  afraid. 
Make  me  feel  that  I  am  unworthy  of  the  least  of  thy 
mercies,  and  that  if  thou  wert  strict  to  mark  iniqui- 
ty, I  dare  not  come  before  thee,  but  should  take  up 
my  abode  where  there  is  no  mercy-seat,  and  no  an- 
swer of  peace  to  the  cry  of  despairing  want. 

Gracious  God,  let  all  my  approaches  to  thee  be  in 
humble  reliance  upon  the  merits  of  Christ.  Give  me 
such  an  impression  of  thy  goodness,  in  the  bounties 
of  thy  providence  and  the  covenant  of  thy  grace, 
that  I  shall  go  to  thee  with  the  love  and  confidence 
of  a  child  to  its  father  ;  for  if  earthly  parents  know 
22 


254 


how  to  give  good  gifts  to  their  children,  much  more 
will  our  Heavenly  Father  give  his  Holy  Spirit  to 
them  that  ask  him.  Lord,  grant  me  such  views  of 
thy  character,  and  of  my  own  wants  and  those  of 
mankind,  as  shall  dispose  me  to  magnify  thy  name 
with  an  adoring  and  grateful  spirit,  and  lead  me  to 
seek  thy  favour  by  fervent  and  believing  supplica- 
tion. 

Lord,  bless  the  assemblies  of  thy  saints.  May 
reverence,  love,  and  faith,  animate  their  devotions. 
May  thy  praise  be  sung  with  holy  affections ;  thy 
favour  be  sought  with  believing  hearts ;  thy  word 
be  preached  in  the  demonstration  of  the  Spirit,  and 
be  heard  as  a  message  of  divine  wisdom  and  mercy. 
Bring  into  thy  sanctuaries  those  who  neglect  thy 
worship ;  and  fill  thy  courts  with  such  as  live  re- 
gardless of  thy  statutes.  Grant,  O  Lord,  that  all  the 
solemn  feasts  of  thy  house  may  be  seasons  of  re- 
freshing from  thy  presence,  in  which  saints  shall 
grow  in  grace,  and  many  prodigals  be  brought  into 
ihe  adoption  of  the  sons  of  God ;  to  the  glory  of 
thy  mercy  in  Jesus,  both  now  and  for  ever. 

YOUTH. 

Heavenly  Father,  bless  our  youth.  Preserve  them 
from  the  corrupting  dangers  which  so  easily  affect 
and  control  their  forming  characters.  Keep  their 
hopes,  and  judgments,  and  affections  from  pursuing 
the  things  which  bring  ruin  on  the  soul.  Incline 
them  now  to  seek  thy  service,  ere  the  cares  of  this 
world,  the  deceitfulness  of  riches,  and  the  lusts  of  the 
flesh,  harden  their  hearts,  stifle  their  consciences, 
and  cause  them  to  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  the  calls  of 
mercy.  Suffer  them  not  to  put  off  the  claims  of  re- 
ligion to  what  they  vainly  think  a  more  convenient 


255 

season.  May  they  learn  that  youth  is  the  time  to 
serve  the  Lord  ;  that  now  is  their  accepted  lime  and 
day  of  salvation:  Avhile,  if  they  put  off  repentance 
and  faith,  sin  will  gather  fearful  strength  in  their 
souls,  and  make  their  redemption  more  and  more 
hopeless.  Lord,  may  they  remember  that  the  ten- 
deresl  tokens  of  thy  love  have  been  directed  towards 
the  young.  Thou  hast  urged  them  with  the  most 
persuasive  entreaties,  to  give  thee  their  hearts,  and 
hast  promised  that  those  who  seek  thee  early  shall 
find  thee,  and  rejoice  in  ihee  all  their  days.  But 
oh,  if  such  will  continue  to  refuse  instruction,  and 
despise  reproof,  they  shall  eat  of  the  fruit  of  their 
own  ways,  and  be  filled  with  their  own  devices. 

Lord,  thou  knowest  that  our  youth  are  the  expec- 
tation of  the  church,  and  the  hope  of  our  race.  The 
history  of  the  world  in  future  ages,  will  be  determin- 
ed by  the  character  of  those  who  are  now  training 
for  the  responsibilities  of  life.  If  they  shall  be  nur- 
tured in  righteousness,  then  humanity  and  piety  shall 
rejoice  in  their  labours  :  but  if  they  shall  be  tutored 
in  the  lessons  of  vice,  then  the  precious  interests  of 
mankind  shall  mourn  because  of  them.  O  do  thou 
make  the  rising  generation  the  instruments  of  intro- 
ducing the  blessings  of  the  Millennium,  and  not 
the  means  of  thrusting  back  into  future  ages,  that 
latter-day  glory.  Bring  multitudes  of  them  into  the 
household  of  faith.  Enlist  their  warm  feelings  and 
self-denying  zeal,  in  behalf  of  religious  enterprizes. 
May  they  enter  with  gladness  and  energy,  into  those 
fields  that  lie  fallow — or  those  that  grow  ripe  for  the 
harvest,  and  gather  fruit  abundantly,  for  the  gar- 
ners of  eternal  life. — [See  Children,  and  Early 
Piety.] 


256 


ZEAL. 

0  thou  that  lovest  them  that  obey  thee,  do  thou 
make  me  zealous  of  good  works.  Grant  me  that 
zeal  which  is  according  to  wisdom,  love,  and  holi- 
ness. Reprove  my  lukewarmness,  my  instability, 
and  my  backsliding.  Let  not  my  pursuits  of  earthly 
things,  which  perish  in  the  using,  excite  me  to  more 
energy  and  perseverance,  than  the  strong  and  urgent 
claims  of  obedience  to  thy  commands.  Lead  me  to 
inquire  diligently,  what  thou  wilt  have  me  to  do ;  for 
I  am  bound  to  glorify  thee  in  my  body  and  spirit 
which  ai-e  thine.  May  I  hear  the  language  of  thy 
word,  and  the  voice  of  thy  providence,  calling  me  to 
gird  up  my  loins  in  thy  service.  Stimulate  my  dili- 
gence by  the  records  of  thy  saints,  who  have  de- 
voted their  lives  and  their  all  to  doing  good.  Fix  in 
my  memory,  I  pray  thee,  the  noble  example  of 
Christ,  who  took  upon  himself  the  form  of  a  servant, 
and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death 
of  the  cross,  that  the  culprits  of  heavenly  justice 
might  be  saved  from  their  condemnation. — O  Lord, 
enable  me  to  realize  the  unspeakable  value  of  reli- 
gious duties,  undertaken  in  thy  strength,  in  saving 
souls  from  death,  in  comforting  and  strengthening 
my  own  heart,  and  in  procuring,  through  thy  mercy 
in  Christ,  thy  favour  in  this  world,  and  thy  blessed- 
ness in  that  which  is  to  come.  What  my  hand 
findeth  to  do,  may  I  do  it  with  my  might.  Heavenly 
Father,  make  me  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord. 
And  while  the  blessing  of  my  zeal  in  thy  service 
shall  be  mine,  the  praise  of  it  shall  be  thine,  Father, 
Son,  and  Spirit,  for  ever.    Amen. 

THE  END. 


Date  Due 

J.?Tt 

'« 

^<^ 

mmm'^ 

I 

''      '"•' 

''■■    '  ^'-ij. 

^ 

